By Brian Dick, Birmingham Post
March 11 2009

Moseley could face a points deduction if they are unable to find a way through their fixtures backlog by the end of the current season. The Billesley outfit have had four league games postponed this term through a combination of bad weather and their success in the National Trophy, in which they have reached the semi-final stage. That has left them with ten matches still to play between now and the end of April and just seven weekends remaining, making midweek fixtures a certainty.

But with trips to Otley and London Welsh to rearrange, where in both cases the absence of appropriate lighting makes evening matches virtually impossible, Moseley could be expected to play eight times in just four weeks.

And if they refuse to do that First Division Rugby regulations mean that if they are found to have done so unreasonably, they might not only have the game awarded to their opponents but face a penalty points deduction too.

Under any circumstances such a move would be controversial but in the current situation, with Moseley just a point above the relegation zone, such an outcome could prove the difference between qualifying for next year’s Championship and dropping out of level two and losing all central funding.

While he accepted the situation was difficult, FDR Ltd chief executive Geoff Cooke maintained the rules are clear.

“The results of unplayed matches can be determined by the committee,” Cooke said. “First Division Rugby could award the game to the non-offending team – whoever was not at fault for not fulfilling the fixture.

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Moseley face points deduction

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 11/03/2009 17:11

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
11/03/2009 17:11

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DaveAitch
13/03/2009 00:05

Nat3 North are going into May to complete the league. Kendal, the most affected club, are playing three games in May, on the 2nd, 9th and 16th.

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Egg Timer
13/03/2009 10:18

Difficult for Mose, particularly the London Welsh fixture which was only called off when they had travelled down there. The pitch had been flooded since the previous night.....wasted trip! No lights at ODP, and they can't play after a certain date because of the cricket..

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covmick1/Michael Carter
13/03/2009 11:54

What is to stop London Welsh moving the fixture ? They set the precedent for that by moving there home fixture against Harlequins to the Stoop. Is it only money that is the consideration ? What about Moseley facing possible relegation ? Where is the FDR and the RFU not to mention that Moseley already have an appeal coming up at the end of this month. I for one wish Mose all the best for the Trophy and league.


covmick/Michael Carter

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