Ups and downs for local rugby clubs are confirmed

There were mixed fortunes for Oundle and Wellingborough as the final Midlands One East positions were confirmed with the former being promoted and the latter dropping down

The RFU brought the season to an early finish as a result of COVID-19 and revealed the final positions would be calculated on a ‘best playing record formula’ to ensure there would still be promotions and relegations across the board.

The proposals from the RFU governance committee were ratified on Friday last week with the final tables being confirmed later that day.

And it resulted in good news for Oundle who were rewarded for an outstanding season in Midlands One East with the second promotion spot behind runaway leaders and champions Syston.

What proved to be Oundle’s final game of the season was probably the most decisive as they beat close rivals Derby 12-7 on March 14 and, in the final calculations, they finished just 3.15 points ahead of them.

But there will be no Northamptonshire derby for them in Midlands Premier next season after Kettering were relegated after a tough campaign and will return to Midlands One East for the next campaign.

The Blues were able to claim just five wins from the 20 matches they played and were relegated alongside Peterborough Lions.

In a statement, Kettering said: “We didn't get points from certain games where we should have, even against some near semi-professional sides!

“So it's back to familiar ground in Midlands One East and some cracking local derbies where we will hope to start recouping some of the finances lost due to this terrible crisis we find ourselves involved in.

“We wish all those clubs promoted and relegated our congratulations and condolences in equal measure. Most of all stay well and stay safe.”

Wellingborough’s relegation from Midlands One East after a campaign which saw them win just once and Stewarts & Lloyds also went down from Midlands Two East (South).

There was no change for Rushden & Higham and Old Grammarians who will remain in Midlands Three East (South) and Midlands Four East (South) respectively.