If you hear anyone suggesting that Rugby League is a Northern game, point them in the direction of this weekend’s fixture list.
Sunday’s professional matches include London Broncos hosting Hull FC in Wimbledon, and Midlands Hurricanes looking to continue their impressive form in Betfred League One when they face Cornwall at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.
But before that, there’s a host of action around the South and the Midlands on Saturday, with a range of Regional and Merit Leagues launching their summer campaigns.
There are now three Regional leagues sitting beneath the Southern Conference League, which has been up and running for several weeks – with this weekend’s fixtures including the resumption of Wests Warrriors’ London rivalry with Hammersmith Hills Hoists in Acton on Saturday afternoon.
The Warriors’ reserve team are also in action on Saturday in the London and South East League, taking on London Chargers A – in a division which also includes Medway Dragons, Brixton Bulls, Elmbridge Eagles and newly promoted Brighton and Hove.
London Chargers ‘A’ overcame Medway Dragons 38-16 in last year’s Grand Final. The Dragons will kick off at home to Brighton & Hove in a Kent versus Sussex clash, while Elmbridge take on Brixton - with all six teams aiming for the 2024 London Premier Division Final scheduled for Saturday 31 August.
The Midlands competition has increased to eight teams this season, and newcomers Swindon St George are relishing their opening fixture against Oxford Cavaliers.
Reigning champions Telford Raiders are hosting South Wales Jets this weekend, while last year’s runners up Birmingham Bulldogs have a West Midlands derby at home to Alan Robinson’s Coventry Bears. The Midlands Grand Final is set to take place on Saturday 10 August.
Five teams will compete in the East Premier Division - Hemel Stags begin their campaign against Canvey Knights with Bedford Tigers ‘A’ taking on St Albans Centurions, and Anglian Vipers completing the line-up. The competition will conclude on Saturday 17 August.
And there are also some intriguing fixtures at other levels. St Ives Roosters are thrilled to be returning to the field and will host the Deeping Ducks, a new name to Rugby League from the Lincolnshire-Cambridgeshire border.
Clubs competing in the Midlands, East and London Premier Divisions will join SCL teams in the Harry Jepson Trophy once again this season. The tournament was founded in 1997 in tribute to the legendary Rugby League enthusiast and administrator, for the community clubs who emerged nationwide following the introduction of the Super League played through the summer months with this year’s Final taking place on Saturday 7 September.
A full list of fixtures for the Midlands, East and London Premier Division’s can be found here.
