Student Rugby League 1999
by Niel Wood, SRL Director

As we arrive at the winter break, the Student Rugby League has thrown up its usual collection of stories of titanic struggles, new teams finding good players, old teams running out of players, buses breaking down and even a tale of two teams, one referee, a ball and no playing kit. There are also tales of almost 200 matches featuring all that is good about Student Rugby League.

As we approach the halfway stage in the season, I am delighted to report the excellent progress made by the teams. This is more encouraging given the fact that the Student Rugby League World Cup meant that the season got under way with little if any central support. Teams organised themselves and the games started. We usually lose teams every year and replace them with new teams. This year has been no different as sadly Brunel have stumbled out of the league although there are serious attempts being made to revive the old club. All other runners came to the line with the addition of Herts after a year out, Coventry and Leeds 'A' teams and London Skolars second team.

It is great to see some of the recent strugglers like Lincoln and New College Durham making good starts to the season and Bradford getting organised to re-launch an assault on the top. The National League continues to excite with great football weekly. St Mary's have joined the ranks of the elite and highlighted their potential with a stunning win at Liverpool John Moores. UWIC are once again looking a powerful force as they are determined to pick up their first title this year. They have almost a complete new team and this shows the immense potential for rugby league in South Wales.

The New Year will bring more trials and tribulations, but also more great rugby league played by people who "love this game" and just want to play.