Post by Gren Perry on Mar 11, 2005 13:56:35 GMT
''Effects of Breathalysers and Leagues''
Over the years we made just as many friends in other clubs as in our own but unfortunately during my lifetime I have witnessed a gradual deterioration in this valuable facet of the game. Two of the principal causes being the appearance of the Breathalyser and the introduction of Leagues, both issues being out of our control. It saddens me to observe that Clubs and their members seem to intermingle far less these days and consequently miss out on some of the cameraderie for which the game is so rightly famous.
Prior to the Breathalyser it was very often the case that the 'Away Game' was as eagerly awaited as the'Home Game'. Why? Because of the fun and games enjoyed with old friends made in previous seasons and some of the silly escapades in local hostelries on the way home. If we actually got home that is! Conversely visitors made a rich contribution to the atmosphere in our own clubhouse.
There are no sustainable arguments that can be made against the breath test and although it changed the nature of away trips it is probably the reason some of us are still in one piece.
Leagues.
Unlike the breathalyser which was a decision imposed by government, Leagues were democratically adopted by Rugby Clubs themselves. They have been ''A Curates Egg'' inasmuch that they introduced a structured level of competition which had been hitherto absent but on the other hand broke down historical and valued relationships nurtured between 'Friendly Clubs' over many years.
To be continued!!
Over the years we made just as many friends in other clubs as in our own but unfortunately during my lifetime I have witnessed a gradual deterioration in this valuable facet of the game. Two of the principal causes being the appearance of the Breathalyser and the introduction of Leagues, both issues being out of our control. It saddens me to observe that Clubs and their members seem to intermingle far less these days and consequently miss out on some of the cameraderie for which the game is so rightly famous.
Prior to the Breathalyser it was very often the case that the 'Away Game' was as eagerly awaited as the'Home Game'. Why? Because of the fun and games enjoyed with old friends made in previous seasons and some of the silly escapades in local hostelries on the way home. If we actually got home that is! Conversely visitors made a rich contribution to the atmosphere in our own clubhouse.
There are no sustainable arguments that can be made against the breath test and although it changed the nature of away trips it is probably the reason some of us are still in one piece.
Leagues.
Unlike the breathalyser which was a decision imposed by government, Leagues were democratically adopted by Rugby Clubs themselves. They have been ''A Curates Egg'' inasmuch that they introduced a structured level of competition which had been hitherto absent but on the other hand broke down historical and valued relationships nurtured between 'Friendly Clubs' over many years.
To be continued!!
