Peeblesshire News | Sport | Six-week league break just crazy

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Friday, 8th February, 2008 12:30

Six-week league break just crazy

By Atholl Innes

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PREMIERSHIP 3 Council member Bob Hogarth believes that the break in the club programme should be avoided in the future.

And the Peebles RFC Rugby Director has the support of other club fans in the Borders.

Peebles’ battle for promotion will be put in ice until March 22 and March 29 when their final two games against Murrayfield Wanderers and Livingston.

“It is very disappointing that we now have a six-week break,” he told me this week.

“It is not the ideal scenario and the problem is that we have the Six Nations and cup matches to play.

“I think we should be playing league matches on the home international weekends. That would give us three Saturdays one season and two the next.”

Hogarth is in support of the 12-team leagues formula – unlike Hawick, who have advocated for 10 teams.

“I think that is the right number as we have to have games through the season.”

Hogarth has the backing of Selkirk president George Thomson.

“It’s a pity that the league now goes into cold storage,” he said.

“Surely it is in everyone’s interest to play the league fixtures through to a conclusion rather than have this silly six-week gap.”

Thomson was speaking ahead of his own club’s push for promotion to Premiership with a tough fixture at Jed-Forest on Saturday – before waiting until March 22 and then March 29 to play West of Scotland and Biggar respectively.

Biggar remain in contention, but their defeat at Jed last weekend opens the door for the Souters at the end of a remarkable season.

“We have to concentrate on our three ‘cup finals’ and remain in control of our own destiny,” said Thomson.

Peebles were fortunate to get last week’s game against Irvine played after a huge effort by club members to clear the pitch of snow.

“I would like to thank everyone who came down and helped,” he said.

Peebles were due to play Jed in a Border League match tomorrow, but that has been ruled out due to the Riverside men’s clash with Selkirk.

“We decided just to give the players a day off,” said Hogarth.

Biggar’s hopes of promotion will remain alive if they beat Aberdeen Grammar at Rubislaw – but that remains a tall order in the wake of the Jed defeat last weekend.

“We must regroup to face an Aberdeen side desperate to finish on a high after what has been a poor season for them,” said Biggar spokesman Al Stewart.

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