25-04-2016, 11:00 PM
andyburnett Wrote:I'm not really sure why the number of teams participating is hugely important to be honest. The SNCL covers mass team participation, the Richardson should cover quality and the Spens/Campbell can perhaps find its own niche.
I disagree with that and think the number of teams is relevant for numerous reasons.
1. The Spens & Richardsons are supposed to be 'National' cup competitions. Neither are really 'national' if it is just the bigger clubs competing in them and the odd other club. There are many clubs from various regions within the country not involved.
2. CS has a duty and obligation (in my view anyway) to provide the best and most inclusive cup competitions it can. Can we honestly say that is happening when we look at the numbers previously posted? It means showing consideration to all clubs in the country which of course includes those far up in the North as much as any other club.
The SNCL is completely different being a League competition and I can't really see how Knockout competitions would have that mass level of participation. A reasonable increase in teams and regional participation would be expected however, and should be welcome if it can be facilitated in a fair and reasonable way.
Today Debenhams called into the administrators because it continued doing what it has always done, and failed to modernise. It would be a shame if the Rich/Spens had to call in the administrators somewhere down the line, that's where both are headed?