Current season or competition: 2022–23 Counties 1 Tribute Western North | |
| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 1987 |
| Number of teams | 13 |
| Country | England |
| Holders | Matson (3rd title) (2021–22 promoted to Regional 2 Tribute Severn) |
| Most titles | Coney Hill (4 titles) |
| Website | Western Counties North |
Counties 1 Western North (known as Counties 1 Tribute Western North for sponsorship purposes) is an English rugby union league. Originally a single division called Western Counties, in 1996 the division split into two regional leagues called Western Counties North and Western Counties West. Western Counties North was renamed Counties 1 Western North prior to the 2022–23 season and is currently a seventh tier league for clubs based in the south-west of England; mainly Bristol, Gloucestershire and Somerset. The champions are promoted to South West 1 West and the runner-up plays the second team in Western Counties West, with the winning team gaining promotion. The number of teams relegated depends on feedback following promotion and relegation in the leagues above, but is usually two or three to Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier. Although 2nd XV rugby is part of the Somerset regional league system, only 1st XV teams are allowed in Tribute Western Counties North.
The current champions are Matson and they are promoted to Regional 2 Tribute Severn. Due to the reorganisation of the leagues, Cheltenham, Chosen Hill Former Pupils, Gordano and Winscome are also promoted. There is no relegation and the eight remaining teams, along with four promoted teams form the new level 7 Counties 1 Tribute Western North.
Teams also participate in the RFU Intermediate Cup – a national competition for clubs at level 7 - with all clubs affiliated with the Gloucestershire RFU involved and a representative being sent from the Somerset RFU.
Format
The champions are promoted to either Regional 2 South West or Regional 2 Severn, depending on location. The teams finishing in the last two or three places are relegated to the appropriate Counties 2 leagues in Gloucester or Somerset (awaiting confirmation by the RFU) The season runs from September to March and comprises twenty-two rounds of matches, with each club playing each of its rivals, home and away. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:
- 4 points are awarded for a win
- 2 points are awarded for a draw
- 0 points are awarded for a loss, however
- 1 losing (bonus) point is awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer
- 1 additional (bonus) point is awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match.
2022–23
League table
| |||||||||||||||
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points for | Points against | Points diff | Try bonus | Loss bonus | Points | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cinderford II | 21 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 1024 | 301 | 723 | 17 | 1 | 98 | ||||
| 2 | Burnham-on-Sea (P) | 22 | 17 | 0 | 5 | 814 | 473 | 341 | 15 | 2 | 85 | ||||
| 3 | Longlevens | 22 | 17 | 0 | 5 | 905 | 410 | 495 | 15 | 1 | 84 | ||||
| 4 | Nailsea & Backwell | 22 | 16 | 1 | 5 | 685 | 446 | 239 | 15 | 2 | 83 | ||||
| 5 | Midsomer Norton | 22 | 12 | 1 | 9 | 666 | 590 | 76 | 11 | 5 | 66 | ||||
| 6 | Clevedon | 22 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 473 | 555 | −82 | 9 | 2 | 63 | ||||
| 7 | Barton Hill | 22 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 452 | 642 | −190 | 9 | 1 | 54 | ||||
| 8 | Cleve | 21 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 501 | 501 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 43 | ||||
| 9 | Chipping Sodbury | 22 | 8 | 0 | 14 | 440 | 779 | −339 | 7 | 1 | 40 | ||||
| 10 | Old Bristolians | 22 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 441 | 525 | −84 | 8 | 10 | 20 | ||||
| 11 | Cheltenham North (R) | 22 | 3 | 0 | 19 | 448 | 973 | −525 | 8 | 0 | 20 | ||||
| 12 | Avonmouth Old Boys (R) | 22 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 319 | 973 | −654 | 2 | 5 | 15 | ||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Green background is the promotion place Pink background are the relegation places Updated: 1 August 2023 | |||||||||||||||
2021–22
Participating teams
|
Locations of the 2021–22 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Bristol & Gloucestershire Locations of the 2021–22 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Avon & Somerset
|
League table
| |||||||||||||||
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points for | Points against | Points diff | Try bonus | Loss bonus | Points | Pts adj | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matson | 24 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1019 | 192 | 827 | 22 | 0 | 119 | ||||
| 2 | Cheltenham | 24 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 932 | 456 | 476 | 16 | 1 | 100 | ||||
| 3 | Chosen Hill Former Pupils | 24 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 762 | 455 | 307 | 15 | 1 | 84 | ||||
| 4 | Gordano | 24 | 15 | 1 | 8 | 653 | 544 | 109 | 13 | 2 | 77 | ||||
| 5 | Winscombe | 24 | 14 | 2 | 8 | 631 | 526 | 105 | 14 | 1 | 75 | ||||
| 6 | Old Bristolians | 24 | 13 | 1 | 10 | 690 | 518 | 172 | 14 | 4 | 72 | ||||
| 7 | Midsomer Norton | 24 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 690 | 665 | 25 | 14 | 4 | 67 | ||||
| 8 | Chipping Sodbury | 24 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 784 | 734 | 50 | 13 | 5 | 61 | ||||
| 9 | Cleve | 24 | 9 | 1 | 14 | 485 | 561 | −76 | 7 | 6 | 51 | ||||
| 10 | Barton Hill | 24 | 8 | 0 | 16 | 462 | 680 | −218 | 9 | 4 | 45 | ||||
| 11 | Clevedon | 24 | 7 | 0 | 17 | 492 | 780 | −288 | 6 | 3 | 37 | ||||
| 12 | Avonmouth Old Boys | 24 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 373 | 826 | −453 | 2 | 8 | 18 | ||||
| 13 | Cheltenham North | 24 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 356 | 1126 | −770 | 10 | 4 | 12 | −10 | |||
| |||||||||||||||
| Green background are the promotion places to 2 Severn and 2 South West Pink background there was no relegation. Updated: 25 June 2022 | |||||||||||||||
2020–21
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic the season was cancelled.
2019–20
Participating teams
|
Locations of the 2019–20 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Gloucestershire Locations of the 2019–20 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Somerset
|
2018–19
Participating teams
|
  Barton Hill Cheltenham Chipping Sodbury CHFP Matson Richians Stroud Locations of the 2018–19 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Gloucestershire Locations of the 2018–19 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Somerset
|
Promotion play-off
In the play-off for promotion, Midsomer Norton played Crediton from Western Counties West for promotion to South West 1 West. Midsomer Norton had the best playing record and hosted the match, losing 15 – 19. This was the first time either team had participated in the play-offs, at this level, and Crediton's win was the sixth time the away team had won match. Teams from Western Counties North lead 10–9 in the nineteen play-off matches played since 2001.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points for | Points against | Points diff | Try bonus | Loss bonus | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midsomer Norton | 26 | 20 | 0 | 6 | 750 | 595 | 155 | 20 | 2 | 102 |
| Crediton (P) | 26 | 21 | 2 | 3 | 643 | 423 | 220 | 12 | 1 | 101 |
| 27 April 2019 15:00 |
| Midsomer Norton | 15 – 19 | Crediton |
| Norton Down Playing Fields, Midsomer Norton, Somerset |
2017–18
The season started on 2 September and the final league matches were due to be completed by 21 April 2018, with the promotion play-off the following week.
Participating teams
|
Locations of the 2017–18 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Somerset Locations of the 2017–18 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Gloucestershire
|
Promotion play-off
Each season, the runners-up in Western Counties West and Western Counties North, participate in a play-off for promotion to South West 1 West. The team with the best playing record, in this case Chew Valley, host the match, and for the second successive season they lost, this time to Devonport Services 12 – 22. It is the first time Devonport Services are promoted to a level six league.[4] This match was the eighteenth play-off for promotion; the northern sides lead with ten victories to the west's eight and the home teams are leading thirteen to five.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points for | Points against | Points diff | Try bonus | Loss bonus | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chew Valley | 26 | 18 | 0 | 8 | 798 | 458 | 340 | 15 | 5 | 92 |
| Devonport Services (P) | 26 | 17 | 1 | 8 | 719 | 456 | 263 | 14 | 6 | 90 |
2016–17
Participating teams
| Team | Ground | Town/City | Previous season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avon | Ashley Lane | Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire | 11th |
| Avonmouth Old Boys | Barracks Lane | Shirehampton, Bristol | relegated from Tribute South West 1 West (13th) |
| Bristol Saracens | Bakewell Memorial Ground | Cribbs Causeway, Bristol | promoted from Gloucester Premier (champions) |
| Cheltenham | Newlands Park Sports & Social Venue | Southam, Cheltenham | 8th |
| Chew Valley | Chew Lane | Chew Magna, Somerset | 3rd |
| Chosen Hill Former Pupils | Brookfield Road | Churchdown, Gloucestershire | 9th |
| Cirencester | The Whiteway | Cirencester, Wiltshire | promoted from Gloucester Premier (via play-off) |
| Coney Hill | Metz Hill | Gloucester | relegated from Tribute South West 1 West (14th) |
| Keynsham | Bristol Road | Keynsham, Somerset | |
| Old Bristolians | Memorial Playing Fields | Failand, Somerset | 4th |
| Stroud | Fromehall Park | Stroud, Gloucestershire | 5th |
| Wells | Charter Way | Wells, Somerset | relegated from Tribute South West 1 West (12th) |
| Whitehall | Foundry Lane | Whitehall, Bristol | 7th |
| Yatton | The Park | Yatton, Somerset | promoted from Tribute Somerset Premier (champions) |
League table
| |||||||||||||||
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points for | Points against | Points diff | Try bonus | Loss bonus | Points | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keynsham (P) | 26 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 718 | 316 | 402 | 15 | 1 | 109 | ||||
| 2 | Chew Valley | 26 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 822 | 493 | 329 | 18 | 0 | 106 | ||||
| 3 | Chosen Hill Former Pupils | 26 | 19 | 0 | 7 | 728 | 423 | 305 | 15 | 5 | 96 | ||||
| 4 | Avonmouth Old Boys | 26 | 18 | 0 | 8 | 718 | 472 | 246 | 12 | 4 | 88 | ||||
| 5 | Stroud | 26 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 846 | 534 | 312 | 15 | 4 | 79 | ||||
| 6 | Old Bristolians | 26 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 621 | 499 | 122 | 11 | 6 | 77 | ||||
| 7 | Bristol Saracens | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 596 | 592 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 67 | ||||
| 8 | Yatton | 26 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 784 | 734 | 50 | 13 | 5 | 61 | ||||
| 9 | Wells | 26 | 11 | 0 | 15 | 442 | 687 | −245 | 10 | 3 | 57 | ||||
| 10 | Cheltenham | 26 | 10 | 0 | 16 | 588 | 806 | −218 | 11 | 4 | 55 | ||||
| 11 | Coney Hill | 26 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 547 | 558 | −11 | 8 | 7 | 53 | ||||
| 12 | Cirencester | 26 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 356 | 817 | −461 | 4 | 5 | 33 | ||||
| 13 | Whitehall | 26 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 433 | 923 | −490 | 7 | 6 | 25 | ||||
| 14 | Avon | 26 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 439 | 784 | −345 | 3 | 7 | 22 | ||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Green background is the promotion place. Blue background is the play-off place. Pink background are relegation places. Updated: 24 May 2017 | |||||||||||||||
Promotion play-off
Each season, the runners-up in Western Counties North and Western Counties West, participate in a play-off for promotion to South West 1 West. The team with the best playing record, in this case Chew Valley, host the match and they lost to their opponents Cullompton 12 – 29.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points for | Points against | Points diff | Try bonus | Loss bonus | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chew Valley | 26 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 822 | 493 | 329 | 18 | 0 | 106 |
| Cullompton (P) | 26 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 659 | 311 | 348 | 11 | 2 | 101 |
| 29 April 2017 15:00 |
| Chew Valley | 12 – 29 | Cullompton |
| Chew Lane |
2015–16
The 2015–16 Tribute Western Counties North consists of fourteen teams; six from Somerset, four from Gloucestershire, three from Bristol and one from Wiltshire. The season started on 5 September 2015 and is finishes on 30 April 2016.
Participating teams and location
Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. The 2014–15 champions Coney Hill and runners up Newent (who won their playoff game) were promoted to Tribute South West 1 West while Bristol Saracens and North Bristol were relegated to the Gloucester Premier and Stothert & Pitt to the Tribute Somerset Premier.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | Town/Village | Previous season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon | Ashley Lane | Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire | 5th | |
| Barton Hill | Duncombe Road | Speedwell, Bristol | 10th | |
| Bristol Harlequins | Broomhill Road | Brislington, Bristol | 3rd | |
| Burnham-on-Sea | BASC Ground | Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset | 11th | |
| Cheltenham | Newlands Park Sports & Social Venue | Southam, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | 9th | |
| Chew Valley | Chew Lane | Chew Magna, Somerset | 4th | |
| Chosen Hill Former Pupils | Brookfield Road | Churchdown, Gloucester, Gloucestershire | 6th | |
| Gordano | Caswell Lane | Portbury, Somerset | promoted from Tribute Somerset Premier (champions) | |
| Keynsham | Bristol Road | Keynsham, Somerset | 8th | |
| Matson | Redwell Road | Gloucester, Gloucestershire | relegated from Tribute South West 1 West (12th) | |
| Old Bristolians | Memorial Playing Fields | Failand, Somerset | 7th | |
| Stroud | Fromehall Park | Stroud, Gloucestershire | promoted from Gloucester Premier (champions) | |
| Wellington | Athletic Ground | Wellington, Somerset | level transfer from Tribute Western Counties West | |
| Whitehall | Foundry Lane | Whitehall, Bristol | promoted from Gloucester Premier (play-off) |
Participating teams 2014–15
- Avon
- Barton Hill
- Bristol Harlequins
- Bristol Saracens (promoted from Gloucester Premier)
- Burnham-on-Sea
- Cheltenham
- Chew Valley
- Chosen Hill Former Pupils
- Coney Hill (relegated from Tribute South West 1 West)
- Keynsham
- Old Bristolians
- Newent (promoted from Gloucester Premier)
- North Bristol
- Stothert & Pitt
Participating teams 2013–14
- Avon
- Barton Hill
- Berry Hill
- Bristol Harlequins
- Chew Valley (promoted from Tribute Somerset Premier)
- Chosen Hill Former Pupils
- Cirencester
- Drybrook (promoted from Gloucester Premier)
- Keynsham (promoted from Tribute Somerset Premier)
- Matson
- Midsomer Norton
- North Bristol
- Old Bristolians
- Oldfield Old Boys (relegated from Tribute South West 1 West)
Participating teams 2012–13
- Avon
- Barton Hill
- Berry Hill
- Bristol Harlequins
- Burnham-on-Sea
- Chosen Hill Former Pupils
- Cirencester
- Hornets
- Matson
- North Bristol
- Old Bristolians
- Wells
- Yatton
Participating teams 2011–12
- Barton Hill
- Bristol Harlequins
- Burnham-on-Sea
- Chard
- Cirencester
- Gordon League
- Hornets
- Keynsham
- Matson
- North Bristol
- Old Centralians
- Stroud
- Whitehall
- Yatton
Participating teams 2010–11
- Barton Hill
- Berry Hill
- Bristol Harlequins
- Cirencester
- Drybrook
- Gordon League
- Keynsham
- Matson
- North Bristol
- Old Centralians
- Stroud
- St Mary's Old Boys (SW)
- Thornbury
- Yatton
Participating teams 2009–10
- Barton Hill
- Berry Hill
- Burnham on Sea
- Drybrook
- Gordon League
- Hornets
- Keynsham
- North Bristol
- Old Centralians
- Old Redcliffians
- Southmead
- Stroud
- Thornbury
- Widden Old Boys
Original teams
When league rugby began in 1987 this division (known as Western Counties) contained the following teams:
- Avon & Somerset Police
- Cirencester
- Clevedon
- Gordon League
- Matson
- Newquay Hornets
- Okehampton
- Old Redcliffians
- Sidmouth
- Tiverton
- Truro
Western Counties North honours
Western Counties (1987–1993)
Originally Western Counties North and Western Counties West was a single division called Western Counties (sponsored by Courage), involving teams based in the south-west of England including Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucester and Somerset. Each team played one match against each of the other teams with the winning team awarded two points; there was one point for each team in a drawn match.[6] It was a tier 7 league with promotion up to South West 2[lower-alpha 1] and relegation to either Cornwall/Devon or Gloucestershire/Somerset.[lower-alpha 2]
| |||||||||||||
| Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated team(s) | Ref | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987–88 | 11 | 10 | Matson | Gordon League | Avon & Somerset Police, Sidmouth | [7] | |||||||
| 1988–89 | 11 | 10 | Gordon League | Avonmouth Old Boys | Devonport Services, Crediton | [8] | |||||||
| 1989–90 | 11 | 10 | Penryn | Avonmouth Old Boys | Cirencester, Devon & Cornwall Police | [8] | |||||||
| 1990–91 | 11 | 10 | Coombe Down | Avonmouth Old Boys | Truro | ||||||||
| 1991–92 | 11 | 10 | Clevedon | Bridgwater & Albion[lower-alpha 3] | Newquay Hornets | [9] | |||||||
| 1992–93 | 13 | 12 | Gloucester Old Boys | Launceston | Plymouth Civil Service, Devon & Cornwall Police | [10] | |||||||
Western Counties (1993–1996)
At the end of the 1992–93 season the top six teams from London Division 1 and the top six from South West Division 1 were combined to create National 5 South. This meant that Western Counties dropped from a tier 7 league to a tier 8 league for the years that National 5 South was active. Promotion continued to South West 2 and relegation down to either Cornwall/Devon or Gloucestershire/Somerset.[lower-alpha 4] The league continued to be sponsored by Courage.
| ||||||||||||||
| Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated team(s) | Ref | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–94 | 13 | 12 | Old Patesians | Tiverton | Wiveliscombe | [11] | ||||||||
| 1994–95 | 13 | 12 | Launceston | Devonport Services | Avonmouth Old Boys | [12] | ||||||||
| 1995–96 | 13 | 12 | Dings Crusaders | Spartans[lower-alpha 5] | No relegation[lower-alpha 6] | [13] | ||||||||
| Green background are the promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Western Counties North (1996–2000)
Major restructuring by the RFU at the end of the 1995–96 season saw Western Counties split into two separate leagues, Western Counties North and Western Counties West, which reverted to tier 7 leagues due to the cancellation of National 5 South.[14] Promotion from Western Counties North was to the new South West 2 West division (formerly South West 2)[lower-alpha 7] while relegation was to Gloucestershire/Somerset.[lower-alpha 8][lower-alpha 9]
| ||||||||||||||
| Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated team(s) | Ref | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–97 | 16 | 15 | Keynsham | St Mary's Old Boys | Chard | [14] | ||||||||
| 1997–98 | 17 | 16 | St Mary's Old Boys | Cleve | Old Culverhays | [15] | ||||||||
| 1998–99 | 17 | 16 | Hornets | Coney Hill | Avonmouth Old Boys | [16] | ||||||||
| 1999–00 | 17 | 16 | Coney Hill | Cheltenham North | Multiple teams[lower-alpha 10] | [17] | ||||||||
| Green background are the promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Western Counties North (2000–2009)
Western Counties North remained a tier 7 league, with promotion continuing to South West 2 West. Relegation was to either Gloucester Premier or Somerset Premier following the cancellation of Gloucestershire/Somerset at the end of the 1999–00 season. From the 2008–09 season the league sponsor was Tribute.
| ||||||||||||||
| Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated team(s) | Ref | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–01 | 12 | 22 | Cleve | Taunton | Barton Hill, Cirencester, Spartans | [18] | ||||||||
| 2001–02 | 12 | 22 | Clevedon | St Mary's Old Boys | North Bristol, Chew Valley | [19] | ||||||||
| 2002–03 | 12 | 22 | Coney Hill | Thornbury | Cheltenham North, Old Redcliffians | [20] | ||||||||
| 2003–04 | 12 | 22 | Gordon League | Spartans | Gordano, Old Richians, Barton Hill | [21] | ||||||||
| 2004–05 | 12 | 22 | Taunton | Thornbury | Matson, Nailsea & Backwell, Drybrook | [22] | ||||||||
| 2005–06 | 12 | 22 | Cheltenham North | Walcot | Old Redcliffians, Whitehall, Avonmouth Old Boys | [23] | ||||||||
| 2006–07 | 12 | 22 | Yatton | Barton Hill | Keynsham, North Bristol, Gloucester Old Boys | [24] | ||||||||
| 2007–08 | 12 | 22 | Avonmouth Old Boys | Old Redcliffians | Spartans, Pershore, Bristol Harlequins | [25] | ||||||||
| 2008–09 | 12 | 22 | Hartpury College | Chosen Hill Former Pupils | No relegation[lower-alpha 11] | [26] | ||||||||
| Green background are the promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Western Counties North (2009–present)
Despite widespread league restructuring by the RFU, Western Counties North continues as a tier 7 league, with promotion to South West 1 West (formerly South West 2 West) and relegation to either Gloucester Premier or Somerset Premier. Tribute continue to sponsor the league.
| ||||||||||||||
| Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated team(s) | Ref | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | 14 | 26 | Old Redcliffians | Thornbury | Widden Old Boys, Southmead, Hornets | [27] | ||||||||
| 2010–11 | 14 | 26 | Berry Hill | Thornbury | Drybrook, St Mary's Old Boys | [28] | ||||||||
| 2011–12 | 14 | 26 | Chard | Old Centralians | Stroud, Gordon League, Whitehall | [29] | ||||||||
| 2012–13 | 14 | 26 | Hornets | Wells | Yatton, Keynsham | [30] | ||||||||
| 2013–14 | 14 | 26 | Drybrook | Matson | Oldfield Old Boys, Berry Hill, Cirencester, Midsomer Norton | [31] | ||||||||
| 2014–15 | 14 | 26 | Coney Hill | Newent | Stothert & Pitt, North Bristol, Bristol Saracens | [32] | ||||||||
| 2015–16 | 14 | 26 | Matson | Keynsham | Barton Hill, Gordano, Bristol Harlequins | [33] | ||||||||
| 2016–17 | 14 | 26 | Keynsham | Chew Valley | Avon, Whitehall, Cirencester | [34] | ||||||||
| 2017–18 | 14 | 26 | Coney Hill | Chew Valley | Oldfield Old Boys, Yatton, Bristol Saracens | [35] | ||||||||
| 2018–19 | 14 | 26 | Chew Valley | Midsomer Norton | Wells, Old Richians, Chosen Hill Former Pupils | [36] | ||||||||
| 2019–20 | 14 | 26 | Stroud | Matson | Coney Hill, Bristol Saracens | [37] | ||||||||
| 2020–21 | 14 | 26 | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. | |||||||||||
| 2021–22 | 13 | 24 | Matson | Cheltenham | Also promoted: Chosen Hill FP, Gordano and Winscombe. There was no relegation. | |||||||||
| Green background are the promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Promotion play-offs
Since the 2000–01 season there has been a one-off promotion play-off game played between the league runners-up of Western Counties North and Western Counties West for the third and final promotion place to South West 1 West, with the team with the superior league record having home advantage in the tie. As of the end of the 2018–19 season the northern sides have been the more successful with ten victories to the west's nine while the home team has won thirteen times compared to the away teams six.
| ||||||||||||||
| Season | Home team | Score | Away team | Venue | Attendance | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–01[38] | Taunton Titans (N) | 24–16 | Withycombe (W) | Hyde Park, Taunton, Somerset | ||||||||||
| 2001–02[39] | St Mary's Old Boys (N) | 43–7 | Penryn (W) | Trench Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol | ||||||||||
| 2002–03[40] | Thornbury (N) | 12–5 | Withycombe (W) | Cooper's Farm, Thornbury, Gloucestershire | ||||||||||
| 2003–04[41] | Spartans (N) | 18–7 | Torquay Athletic (W) | Lansdown Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire | ||||||||||
| 2004–05[42] | St Ives (W) | 27–5 | Thornbury (N) | Alexandra Road, St Ives, Cornwall | ||||||||||
| 2005–06[43] | Newton Abbot (W) | 24–12 | Walcot (N) | Rackerhayes, Newton Abbot, Devon | ||||||||||
| 2006–07[44] | Hayle (W) | 11–27 | Barton Hill (N) | Memorial Park, Hayle, Cornwall | ||||||||||
| 2007–08[45][46] | Sidmouth (W) | 23–20 | Old Redcliffians (N) | Blackmore Field, Sidmouth, Devon | ||||||||||
| 2008–09[47][48] | Chosen Hill Former Pupils (N) | 33–25 | Ivybridge (W) | Brookfield Road, Churchdown, Gloucester | ||||||||||
| 2009–10[49][50] | Wadebridge Camels (W) | 25–21 | Thornbury (N) | Molesworth Field, Wadebridge, Cornwall | ||||||||||
| 2010–11[51][52] | Thornbury (N) | 54–7 | Kingsbridge (W) | Cooper's Farm, Thornbury, Gloucestershire | ||||||||||
| 2011–12[53][54] | Old Centralians (N) | 39–7 | Torquay Athletic (W) | Saintbridge Sports Centre, Gloucester, Gloucestershire | ||||||||||
| 2012–13[55][56] | Wells (N) | 20–27 | Bideford (W) | Charter Way, Wells, Somerset | 400 | |||||||||
| 2013–14[57][58] | Teignmouth (W) | 10–35 | Matson (N) | Bitton Park Sports Ground, Teignmouth, Devon | ||||||||||
| 2014–15[59][60] | Newent (N) | 28–26 | Kingsbridge (W) | Recreation Ground, Newent, Gloucestershire | ||||||||||
| 2015–16[61] | Kingsbridge (W) | 16–10 | Keynsham (N) | High House, Kingsbridge, Devon | ||||||||||
| 2016–17[62] | Chew Valley (N) | 12–29 | Cullompton (W) | Chew Lane, Chew Magna, Somerset | 700 | |||||||||
| 2017–18[63] | Chew Valley (N) | 12–22 | Devonport Services (W) | Chew Lane, Chew Magna, Somerset | ||||||||||
| 2018–19[64] | Midsomer Norton (N) | 15–19 | Crediton (W) | Norton Down Playing Fields, Midsomer Norton, Somerset | ||||||||||
| 2019–20 | Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Best ranked runner-up – St Austell (W) – promoted instead. | |||||||||||||
| 2020–21 | Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. | |||||||||||||
| 2021–22 | Cancelled due to league reorganisation. | |||||||||||||
| Green backgrounds represent promoted teams. WCN stands for Western Counties North while WCW stands for Western Counties West. | ||||||||||||||
Number of league titles
- Coney Hill (4)
- Matson (3)[lower-alpha 12]
- Gordon League (2)[lower-alpha 13]
- Hornets (2)
- Keynsham (2)
- Avonmouth Old Boys (1)
- Berry Hill (1)
- Chard (1)
- Cheltenham North (1)
- Chew Valley (1)
- Cleve (1)
- Clevedon (1)[lower-alpha 14]
- Coombe Down (1)[lower-alpha 15]
- Dings Crusaders (1)[lower-alpha 16]
- Drybrook (1)
- Gloucester Old Boys (1)[lower-alpha 17]
- Hartpury College (1)
- Launceston (1)[lower-alpha 18]
- Old Patesians (1)[lower-alpha 19]
- Old Redcliffians (1)
- Penryn (1)[lower-alpha 20]
- St Mary's Old Boys (1)
- Stroud (1)
- Taunton (1)
- Yatton (1)
Sponsorship
The Western Counties League and South West 2 were part of the Courage Clubs Championship and was sponsored by Courage Brewery from the first season, 1987–88 to season 1996–97.[65] The league was unsponsored until season 2007–08 when St Austell Brewery sponsored South-west based leagues under the Tribute Ale label.
See also
Notes
- ↑ South West 2 is currently two regional divisions - South West 1 East and South West 1 West.
- ↑ Gloucestershire/Somerset is currently two separate leagues - Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier.
- ↑ Old Culverhaysians also promoted.
- ↑ Currently split into Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier.
- ↑ League restructuring meant that five teams were promoted, including 3rd to 5th place Penzance & Newlyn, Devonport Services and Tiverton.
- ↑ There was no relegation as Western Counties was due to split into Western Counties North and Western Counties West.
- ↑ From the 1996–97 season South West 2 was split into two regional divisions – South West 2 East and South West 2 West.
- ↑ Currently Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier.
- ↑ Relegated Western Counties West clubs dropped to Cornwall/Devon.
- ↑ Oldfield Old Boys, Drybrook, Bristol Harlequins, St Bernadettes Old Boys, Wiveliscombe and Thornbury were the relegated sides this season. The reason for so many relegations was because the league would be reduced from 17 to 12 teams for the 2000-01 season.
- ↑ There was no relegation this year as the league changed from 12 to 14 teams for the 2009-10 season due to restructuring of the league system by the RFU.
- ↑ One of Matson's title wins were back when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ One of Gordon League's title wins was when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ Clevedon's title was when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ Coombe Down's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ Coombe Down's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ Gloucester Old Boys title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ Launceston's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ Old Patesians title win was back when the league was known as Western Counties.
- ↑ Penryn's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
References
- ↑ "Counties 1 Tribute Western North 2022–2023". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
- ↑ "Tribute Western Counties North 2016–2017". English Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ↑ "Results". England Rugby. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ↑ "RUGBY REPORTS: Devonport Services secure promotion to South West One". Plymouth Sports Gazette. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ↑ "Tribute Western Counties North 2016–2017". English Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
- ↑ Williams, Tony; Mitchell, Bill (eds.). Courage Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1991–92 (4th ed.). Taunton: Football Directories. ISBN 1 869833 15 5.
- ↑ Stephen Jones, ed. (1988). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1988–89. London: Rothmans Publications Ltd.
- 1 2 Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1990). Courage Clubs Championship. Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1990–91. Horsham: Burlington Publishing Co Ltd. ISBN 1873057024.
- ↑ Cornwall Rugby Football Union 1992–3,1996–7
- ↑ Jones, Stephen, ed. (1993). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1993–94 (22nd ed.). London: Headline Book Publishing. pp. 151–167. ISBN 0 7472 7891 1.
- ↑ Jones, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1994). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1994–95. London: Headline Bookline Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7850 4.
- ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1995). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1995–96. London: Headline Bookline Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7816 4.
- ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1996). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1996-97. London: Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7771 0.
- 1 2 Mick Cleary, ed. (1997). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1997–98 (26th ed.). London: Headline Book Publishers. ISBN 0 7472 7732 X.
- ↑ McCleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1998). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1998–99 (27th ed.). Headline Book Publishing. pp. 86–98. ISBN 0 7472 7653 6.
- ↑ "1998-99 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "1999-00 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2000-01 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2001-02 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2002-03 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2003-04 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2004-05 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2005-06 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2006-07 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2007-08 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2008-09 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2009-10 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2010-11 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2011-12 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2012-13 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2013-14 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2014-15 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2015-16 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2016-17 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
- ↑ "2017-18 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ↑ "2018-19 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
- ↑ "Men's level 5 - 7 leagues 2019–20" (PDF). England Rugby. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 12 May 2001.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 27 April 2002.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 26 April 2003.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 24 April 2004.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 30 April 2005.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 29 April 2006.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 28 April 2007.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 26 April 2008.
- ↑ "View from the blindside". Sidmouth Herald. 2 May 2008.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 25 April 2009.
- ↑ "Disappointment". Ivybridge RFC. 25 April 2009.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 24 April 2010.
- ↑ "Promoted Camels give Thornbury the hump". Bristol Post. 27 April 2010.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 30 April 2011.
- ↑ "Kings outgunned in promotion play-off against Thornbury". Western Morning News. 2 May 2011.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 28 April 2012.
- ↑ "Dorling upbeat despite play-off loss". Torquay Herald Express. 3 May 2012.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 11 May 2013.
- ↑ "Wells RFC miss out on promotion after losing play-off against Bideford". Somerset Live. 12 May 2013.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 26 April 2014.
- ↑ "Matson clinch Western Counties North promotion with stylish play-off win". Gloucester Citizen. 29 April 2014.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 25 April 2015.
- ↑ "Newent promoted after thriller". Malvern Gazette. 30 April 2015.
- ↑ "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 7 May 2016.
- ↑ "Chew Valley RFC lose division playoff". Chew Valley Gazette. 2 May 2017.
- ↑ "RUGBY REPORTS: Devonport Services secure promotion to South West One". Plymouth Sports Gazette. 29 April 2018.
- ↑ "Credit due for Crediton as Norton lose playoff". The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal. 2 May 2019.
- ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1997). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1997-98 (26th ed.). London: Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7732 X.
