Nelson irked as play-off motion is rejected

AFTER defeat to bitter rivals Yorkshire last weekend, Lancashire boss Mark Nelson revealed how his proposal of a play-off in the northern section had been rejected by both Yorkshire and Cheshire – despite receiving the green light from the RFU.

With Durham withdrawing at the 11th hour, the top-tier competition was re-jigged to include just five counties in both the north and south groups, Leicestershire and Northumberland also in alongside Lancashire.

However, given the shortened calendar, each team was only scheduled two games which, following the defeat at West Park Leeds, eliminated Nelson’s side.

“It’s pretty unsatisfactory,” he said. “You’ve got five sides up here who’ve worked incredibly hard to put out teams at the end of a long season, giving the competition the credibility it deserves.

“Full credit to Yorkshire who beat us fair and square, but this format doesn’t work. You’ve got Cheshire scoring 100 points at Leicestershire, but they don’t play either of the Roses teams.

“With all due respect to Northumberland, who I know will give everything this weekend, a two-game group campaign, where everyone has different fixture lists, isn’t fair.”

“I actually approached the RFU shortly after Durham pulled out and having looked at the scheduled games, suggested the top two in the group have a play-off to determine which side makes the final. It felt like a more equitable solution, and the powers that be agreed.

“However, Cheshire or Yorkshire weren’t keen and it’s a real shame. We ultimately wouldn’t have benefitted from such a game given we finished third, but a Cheshire v Yorkshire clash would have been a brilliant advert for the competition.”

Cheshire entertain Northumberland this weekend at Birkenhead Park andare favourites to book their spot at Twickenham in early June.