Inspirational pair behind leagues for lower teams

Feb 20 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WHILE the LSH first XV enjoy a week’s respite from the fight to avoid relegation, the rest of the club will continue to do battle against fellow North West opposition.

The second XV travel to Macclesfield in the Bateman BMW Premier Division; the thirds also venture south to Whitchurch in the Miller Homes Division Four West and the fourth XV entertain Leigh at Moss Lane in the Miller Homes Division Five West. At the same time, among the dozens of other organised rugby union games on Merseyside, Caldy third XV host Northwich and St Mary’s Old Boys meet Waterloo fourth XV.

The fixtures are a testimony and a tribute to the vision and perseverance of two men from Lancaster, Fred Swarbrick and Reg Robinson. Six years ago the two Vale of Lune officials, thoroughly fed up with the problems, cry-offs and uncertainties of merit league rugby, set up an organised league for third teams. One year later six more leagues were added and now, in the 2007-8 season, Swarbrick, Robinson and an expanding band of helpers look after 12 leagues, each with 14 teams spanning five counties.

Remarkably more than 3,000 players now take part every Saturday afternoon in an organised league structure born out of a conversation in league secretary Robinson’s living room.

“Competitive rugby has proved to be popular at all levels,” he said. “The teams now have something to play for with promotion and relegation.”

Robinson is quick to acknowledge the long-term support of Miller Homes, who have sponsored the leagues from the beginning, together with Bateman BMW and Halbro, who sponsor the cup competition.

Eight more teams are applying for entry next season, including sides from Caldy and Sefton.