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(Redirected from Western Counties North) English rugby union league

Counties 1 Tribute Western North
Current season or competition:
2022–23 Counties 1 Tribute Western North
SportRugby union
Instituted1987; 38 years ago (1987)
Number of teams13
CountryEngland
HoldersMatson (3rd title) (2021–22 promoted to Regional 2 Tribute Severn)
Most titlesConey Hill (4 titles)
WebsiteWestern 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. Since 2021/22 2nd xv teams have been allowed in Counties 1 Tribute Western North but under current RFU Rules they are unable to be promoted beyond here.

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.

2024-25

Departing were Longlevens, promoted as runners-up since although Cinderford 2XV finished top owing to league regulations they were not permitted to be promoted to Level 6, whilst Chipping Sodbury and Clevedon and Midsomer Norton were relegated.

With four teams leaving and five joining the league was restored to twelve sides.

Team Ground Capacity Town/Area Previous season
Bridgwater & Albion Bath Road 5,000 Bridgwater, Somerset 5th
Burnham-on-Sea BASC Ground Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset Relegated from Regional 2 South West (12th)
Chard The Park, Essex Close Chard, Somerset Relegated from Regional 2 South West (11th)
Chosen Hill Former Pupils Brookfield Road Churchdown, Gloucestershire Relegated from Regional 2 Severn (11th)
Cinderford II Dockham Road 2,500 Cinderford, Gloucestershire 1st (not promoted)
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire 8th
Clifton II Station Road 2,500 (400 seats) Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bristol 6th
Gordon League Hempsted Lane Gloucester, Gloucestershire Promoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire North (champions)
Nailsea & Backwell West End Park Nailsea, Somerset 3rd
Old Bristolians Memorial Playing Fields Failand, Somerset 7th
Old Redcliffians II Scotland Lane 1,000 Brislington, Bristol 4th
Taunton II Towergate Stadium 2,000 (198 seats) Taunton, Somerset Promoted from Counties 2 Somerset (champions)


Counties 1 Western North is located in GloucestershireChosen Hill FPChosen
Hill FPCinderford IICinderford IICleveCleveGordon LeagueGordon Leagueclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 1 Western North teams in Gloucestershire Counties 1 Western North is located in SomersetBridgwaterBridgwaterBurnham-on-SeaBurnham-on-SeaChardChardClifton IIClifton II'OB'OBOld Reds IIOld Reds IINailseaNailseaTaunton IITaunton IIclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 1 Western North teams in Avon & Somerset

2023–24

Departing were Burnham-on-Sea, promoted as runners-up since although Cinderford 2XV finished top owing to league regulations they were not permitted to be promoted to Level 6, whilst Avonmouth Old Boys and Cheltenham North were relegated. Barton Hill, 7th in 2022-23, did not return for the new season. With four teams departing and three joining the league ran with eleven sides.

Team Ground Capacity Town/Area Previous season
Bridgwater & Albion Bath Road 5,000 Bridgwater, Somerset Relegated from Regional 2 South West (12th)
Chipping Sodbury The Ridings Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire 9th
Cinderford II Dockham Road 2,500 Cinderford, Gloucestershire 1st (not promoted)
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire 8th
Clevedon Coleridge Vale Playing Fields Clevedon, Somerset 6th
Clifton II Station Road 2,500 (400 seats) Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bristol Promoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire South (champions)
Longlevens Longford Lane Longlevens, Gloucestershire 3rd
Midsomer Norton Norton Down Playing Fields Midsomer Norton, Somerset 5th
Nailsea & Backwell West End Park Nailsea, Somerset 4th
Old Bristolians Memorial Playing Fields Failand, Somerset 10th
Old Redcliffians II Scotland Lane 1,000 Brislington, Bristol Promoted from Counties 2 Somerset (champions)


Counties 1 Western North is located in GloucestershireChipping SodburyChipping SodburyCinderford IICinderford IICleveCleveLonglevensLonglevensclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2023–24 Counties 1 Western North teams in Gloucestershire Counties 1 Western North is located in SomersetBridgwaterBridgwaterClevedonClevedonClifton IIClifton IIOBOB{Old Reds II{Old Reds IIMidsomer NortonMidsomer NortonNailseaNailseaclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 1 Western North teams in Avon & Somerset

2022–23

Team Ground Capacity Town/Area Previous season
Avonmouth Old Boys Barracks Lane Shirehampton, Bristol 12th
Barton Hill Duncombe Road Speedwell, Bristol 10th
Burnham-on-Sea BASC Ground Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset 6th Western Counties West
Cheltenham North Stoke Orchard Road Bishop's Cleeve, Gloucestershire 13th
Chipping Sodbury The Ridings Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire 8th
Cinderford II Dockham Road 2,500 Cinderford, Gloucestershire 2nd Gloucester Premier
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire 9th
Clevedon Coleridge Vale Playing Fields Clevedon, Somerset 11th
Longlevens Longford Lane Longlevens, Gloucestershire 1st Gloucester Premier
Midsomer Norton Norton Down Playing Fields Midsomer Norton, Somerset 7th
Nailsea & Backwell West End Park Nailsea, Somerset 1st Somerset Premier
Old Bristolians Memorial Playing Fields Failand, Somerset 6th


Counties 1 Western North is located in GloucestershireCheltenham NorthCheltenham
NorthChipping SodburyChipping SodburyCinderford IICinderford IICleveCleveLonglevensLonglevensclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2022–23 Counties 1 Western North teams in Gloucestershire Counties 1 Western North is located in SomersetAvonmouthAvonmouthB HillB HillBurnham-on-SeaBurnham-on-SeaClevedonClevedonBristoliansBristoliansMidsomer NortonMidsomer NortonNailseaNailseaclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2022–23 Counties 1 Western North teams in Avon & Somerset

League table

2022–23 Counties 1 Western North 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
  • If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
Green background is the promotion place Pink background are the relegation places
Updated: 1 August 2023

2021–22

Participating teams

Team Ground Capacity Town/Area Previous season
Avonmouth Old Boys Barracks Lane Shirehampton, Bristol 5th
Barton Hill Duncombe Road Speedwell, Bristol 7th
Cheltenham Newlands Park Southam, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 3rd
Cheltenham North Stoke Orchard Road Bishop's Cleeve, Gloucestershire Promoted from Gloucester Premier (runners up)
Chipping Sodbury The Ridings Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire 6th
Chosen Hill Former Pupils Brookfield Road Churchdown, Gloucestershire Promoted from Gloucester Premier (champions)
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire Relegated from South West 1 West (14th)
Clevedon Coleridge Vale Playing Fields Clevedon, Somerset 12th
Gordano Caswell Lane Portbury, Somerset 8th
Matson Redwell Road Matson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire 2nd
Midsomer Norton Norton Down Playing Fields Midsomer Norton, Somerset 4th
Old Bristolians Memorial Playing Fields Failand, Somerset 10th
Spartans Lansdown Road Gloucester, Gloucestershire 11th
Winscombe Recreation Ground 1,200 Winscombe, Somerset 9th


Counties 1 Western North is located in GloucestershireBarton HillBarton
HillCheltenhamCheltenhamCheltenham NorthCheltenham
NorthChipping SodburyChipping SodburyCHFPCHFPCleveCleveMatsonMatsonSpartansSpartansclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2021–22 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Bristol & Gloucestershire Counties 1 Western North is located in SomersetAvonmouthAvonmouthClevedonClevedonGordanoGordanoBristoliansBristoliansMidsomer NortonMidsomer NortonWinscombeWinscombeclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2021–22 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Avon & Somerset

League table

2021–22 Tribute Western Counties North 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
  • If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
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

Team Ground Capacity Town/Area Previous season
Avonmouth Old Boys Barracks Lane Shirehampton, Bristol 5th
Barton Hill Duncombe Road Speedwell, Bristol 10th
Bristol Saracens Bakewell Memorial Ground Cribbs Causeway, Bristol Promoted from Gloucester Premier (playoff)
Cheltenham Newlands Park Southam, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 11th
Chipping Sodbury Wickwar Road Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire 6th
Clevedon Coleridge Vale Playing Fields Clevedon, Somerset 8th
Coney Hill Metz Hill Gloucester, Gloucestershire Relegated from South West 1 West (14th)
Gordano Caswell Lane Portbury, Somerset 7th
Matson Redwell Road Matson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire 3rd
Midsomer Norton Norton Down Playing Fields Midsomer Norton, Somerset Runners up (lost playoff)
Old Bristolians Memorial Playing Fields Failand, Somerset 9th
Spartans Lansdown Road Gloucester, Gloucestershire Promoted from Gloucester Premier (champions)
Stroud Fromehall Park Stroud, Gloucestershire 4th
Winscombe Recreation Ground 1,200 Winscombe, Somerset Level transfer from Western Counties West (9th)


Counties 1 Western North is located in GloucestershireBarton HillBarton HillBristol SaracensBristol SaracensCheltenhamCheltenhamChipping SodburyChipping SodburyConey HillConey HillMatsonMatsonSpartansSpartansStroudStroudclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2019–20 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Gloucestershire Counties 1 Western North is located in SomersetAvonmouthAvonmouthClevedonClevedonGordanoGordanoBristoliansBristoliansMidsomer NortonMidsomer NortonWinscombeWinscombeclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2019–20 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Somerset

2018–19

Participating teams

Team Ground Capacity Town/Area Previous season
Avonmouth Old Boys Barracks Lane Shirehampton, Bristol 3rd
Barton Hill Duncombe Road Speedwell, Bristol Promoted from Gloucester Premier (play-off)
Cheltenham Newlands Park Southam, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 10th
Chew Valley Chew Lane Chew Magna, Somerset Runner-up (lost play-off)
Chipping Sodbury Wickwar Road Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire Promoted from Gloucester Premier (champions)
Chosen Hill Former Pupils Brookfield Road Churchdown, Gloucestershire 7th
Clevedon Coleridge Vale Playing Fields Clevedon, Somerset Relegated from South West 1 West (14th)
Gordano Caswell Lane Portbury, Somerset Promoted from Somerset Premier (champions)
Matson Redwell Road Matson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire Relegated from South West 1 West (12th)
Midsomer Norton Norton Down Playing Fields Midsomer Norton, Somerset 6th
Old Bristolians Memorial Playing Fields Failand, Somerset 5th
Old Richians Sandyleaze Gloucester, Gloucestershire 4th
Stroud Fromehall Park Stroud, Gloucestershire 8th
Wells Charter Way Wells, Somerset 9th


Counties 1 Western North is located in GloucestershireBarton HillBarton HillCheltenhamCheltenhamChipping SodburyChipping SodburyCHFPCHFPMatsonMatsonRichiansRichiansStroudStroudclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2018–19 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Gloucestershire Counties 1 Western North is located in SomersetAvonmouthAvonmouthChew ValleyChew ValleyClevedonClevedonGordanoGordanoBristoliansBristoliansMidsomer NortonMidsomer NortonWellsWellsclass=notpageimage| 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 Norton15 – 19Crediton
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

Team Ground Capacity Town/Area Previous season
Avonmouth Old Boys Barracks Lane Shirehampton, Bristol 4th
Bristol Saracens Bakewell Memorial Ground Cribbs Causeway, Bristol 7th
Cheltenham Newlands Park Sports & Social Venue Southam, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 10th
Chew Valley Chew Lane Chew Magna, Somerset 2nd
Chosen Hill Former Pupils Brookfield Road Churchdown, Gloucestershire 3rd
Coney Hill Metz Hill Gloucester, Gloucestershire 11th
Midsomer Norton Norton Down Playing Fields Midsomer Norton, Somerset Relegated from Tribute South West 1 West (14th)
Old Bristolians Memorial Playing Fields Failand, Somerset 6th
Oldfield Old Boys Shaft Road Monkton Combe, Bath, Somerset Promoted from Tribute Somerset Premier (play-off)
Old Richians Sandyleaze Gloucester, Gloucestershire Promoted from Gloucester Premier (champions)
Stroud Fromehall Park Stroud, Gloucestershire 5th
Wells Charter Way Wells, Somerset 9th
Winscombe Recreation Ground 1,200 Winscombe, Somerset Promoted from Tribute Somerset Premier (champions)
Yatton The Park Yatton, Somerset 8th


Counties 1 Western North is located in SomersetAvonmouthAvonmouthChew ValleyChew ValleyBristoliansBristoliansMidsomer NortonMidsomer NortonOldfieldOldfieldWellsWellsWinscombeWinscombeYattonYattonclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2017–18 Tribute Western Counties North teams in Somerset Counties 1 Western North is located in GloucestershireB SaracensB SaracensCheltenhamCheltenhamCHFPCHFPConey HillConey HillRichiansRichiansStroudStroudclass=notpageimage| 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. 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
April 2018
15:00
Chew Valley12 – 22Devonport Services
Chew Lane, Chew Magna

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

2016–17 Tribute Western Counties North 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
  • If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
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 Valley12 – 29Cullompton
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.

Counties 1 Western North is located in EnglandAvonAvonBristolBristolBurnham-on-SeaBurnham-on-SeaCheltenhamCheltenhamChew ValleyChew ValleyC.H.F.P.C.H.F.P.MatsonMatsonOld BristoliansOld BristoliansStroudStroudWellingtonWellingtonBristol area teamsBarton Hill Bristol Harlequins Gordano Keynsham WhitehallBristol area teamsBarton Hill
Bristol Harlequins
Gordano
Keynsham
Whitehallclass=notpageimage| Locations of the 2015-16 Tribute Western Counties North teams 2015-16 Bristol & surrounding area Tribute Western Counties North teamsBarton HillBarton HillBristol HarlequinsBristol HarlequinsGordanoGordanoKeynshamKeynshamWhitehallWhitehallclass=notpageimage| 2015-16 Bristol & surrounding area Tribute Western Counties North teams
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

Participating teams 2013–14

Participating teams 2012–13

Participating teams 2011–12

Participating teams 2010–11

Participating teams 2009–10

Original teams

When league rugby began in 1987 this division (known as Western Counties) contained the following teams:

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. It was a tier 7 league with promotion up to South West 2 and relegation to either Cornwall/Devon or Gloucestershire/Somerset.

Western Counties
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
1988–89 11 10 Gordon League Avonmouth Old Boys Devonport Services, Crediton
1989–90 11 10 Penryn Avonmouth Old Boys Cirencester, Devon & Cornwall Police
1990–91 11 10 Coombe Down Avonmouth Old Boys Truro
1991–92 11 10 Clevedon Bridgwater & Albion Newquay Hornets
1992–93 13 12 Gloucester Old Boys Launceston Plymouth Civil Service, Devon & Cornwall Police

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. The league continued to be sponsored by Courage.

Western Counties
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated team(s) Ref
1993–94 13 12 Old Patesians Tiverton Wiveliscombe
1994–95 13 12 Launceston Devonport Services Avonmouth Old Boys
1995–96 13 12 Dings Crusaders Spartans No relegation
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. Promotion from Western Counties North was to the new South West 2 West division (formerly South West 2) while relegation was to Gloucestershire/Somerset.

Western Counties North
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
1997–98 17 16 St Mary's Old Boys Cleve Old Culverhays
1998–99 17 16 Hornets Coney Hill Avonmouth Old Boys
1999–00 17 16 Coney Hill Cheltenham North Multiple teams
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.

Western Counties North
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated team(s) Ref
2000–01 12 22 Cleve Taunton Barton Hill, Cirencester, Spartans
2001–02 12 22 Clevedon St Mary's Old Boys North Bristol, Chew Valley
2002–03 12 22 Coney Hill Thornbury Cheltenham North, Old Redcliffians
2003–04 12 22 Gordon League Spartans Gordano, Old Richians, Barton Hill
2004–05 12 22 Taunton Thornbury Matson, Nailsea & Backwell, Drybrook
2005–06 12 22 Cheltenham North Walcot Old Redcliffians, Whitehall, Avonmouth Old Boys
2006–07 12 22 Yatton Barton Hill Keynsham, North Bristol, Gloucester Old Boys
2007–08 12 22 Avonmouth Old Boys Old Redcliffians Spartans, Pershore, Bristol Harlequins
2008–09 12 22 Hartpury College Chosen Hill Former Pupils No relegation
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.

Western Counties North
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
2010–11 14 26 Berry Hill Thornbury Drybrook, St Mary's Old Boys
2011–12 14 26 Chard Old Centralians Stroud, Gordon League, Whitehall
2012–13 14 26 Hornets Wells Yatton, Keynsham
2013–14 14 26 Drybrook Matson Oldfield Old Boys, Berry Hill, Cirencester, Midsomer Norton
2014–15 14 26 Coney Hill Newent Stothert & Pitt, North Bristol, Bristol Saracens
2015–16 14 26 Matson Keynsham Barton Hill, Gordano, Bristol Harlequins
2016–17 14 26 Keynsham Chew Valley Avon, Whitehall, Cirencester
2017–18 14 26 Coney Hill Chew Valley Oldfield Old Boys, Yatton, Bristol Saracens
2018–19 14 26 Chew Valley Midsomer Norton Wells, Old Richians, Chosen Hill Former Pupils
2019–20 14 26 Stroud Matson Coney Hill, Bristol Saracens
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.

Western Counties (north v west) promotion play-off results
Season Home team Score Away team Venue Attendance
2000–01 Taunton Titans (N) 24–16 Withycombe (W) Hyde Park, Taunton, Somerset
2001–02 St Mary's Old Boys (N) 43–7 Penryn (W) Trench Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol
2002–03 Thornbury (N) 12–5 Withycombe (W) Cooper's Farm, Thornbury, Gloucestershire
2003–04 Spartans (N) 18–7 Torquay Athletic (W) Lansdown Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire
2004–05 St Ives (W) 27–5 Thornbury (N) Alexandra Road, St Ives, Cornwall
2005–06 Newton Abbot (W) 24–12 Walcot (N) Rackerhayes, Newton Abbot, Devon
2006–07 Hayle (W) 11–27 Barton Hill (N) Memorial Park, Hayle, Cornwall
2007–08 Sidmouth (W) 23–20 Old Redcliffians (N) Blackmore Field, Sidmouth, Devon
2008–09 Chosen Hill Former Pupils (N) 33–25 Ivybridge (W) Brookfield Road, Churchdown, Gloucester
2009–10 Wadebridge Camels (W) 25–21 Thornbury (N) Molesworth Field, Wadebridge, Cornwall
2010–11 Thornbury (N) 54–7 Kingsbridge (W) Cooper's Farm, Thornbury, Gloucestershire
2011–12 Old Centralians (N) 39–7 Torquay Athletic (W) Saintbridge Sports Centre, Gloucester, Gloucestershire
2012–13 Wells (N) 20–27 Bideford (W) Charter Way, Wells, Somerset 400
2013–14 Teignmouth (W) 10–35 Matson (N) Bitton Park Sports Ground, Teignmouth, Devon
2014–15 Newent (N) 28–26 Kingsbridge (W) Recreation Ground, Newent, Gloucestershire
2015–16 Kingsbridge (W) 16–10 Keynsham (N) High House, Kingsbridge, Devon
2016–17 Chew Valley (N) 12–29 Cullompton (W) Chew Lane, Chew Magna, Somerset 700
2017–18 Chew Valley (N) 12–22 Devonport Services (W) Chew Lane, Chew Magna, Somerset
2018–19 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

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. 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

  1. South West 2 is currently two regional divisions - South West 1 East and South West 1 West.
  2. Gloucestershire/Somerset is currently two separate leagues - Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier.
  3. Old Culverhaysians also promoted.
  4. Currently split into Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier.
  5. League restructuring meant that five teams were promoted, including 3rd to 5th place Penzance & Newlyn, Devonport Services and Tiverton.
  6. There was no relegation as Western Counties was due to split into Western Counties North and Western Counties West.
  7. From the 1996–97 season South West 2 was split into two regional divisions – South West 2 East and South West 2 West.
  8. Currently Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier.
  9. Relegated Western Counties West clubs dropped to Cornwall/Devon.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. One of Matson's title wins were back when the league was known as Western Counties.
  13. One of Gordon League's title wins was when the league was known as Western Counties.
  14. Clevedon's title was when the league was known as Western Counties.
  15. Coombe Down's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
  16. Coombe Down's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
  17. Gloucester Old Boys title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
  18. Launceston's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.
  19. Old Patesians title win was back when the league was known as Western Counties.
  20. Penryn's title win was when the league was known as Western Counties.

References

  1. "Counties 1 Tribute Western North 2022–2023". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  2. "Tribute Western Counties North 2016–2017". English Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  3. "Results". England Rugby. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  4. "RUGBY REPORTS: Devonport Services secure promotion to South West One". Plymouth Sports Gazette. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  5. "Tribute Western Counties North 2016–2017". English Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
  6. Williams, Tony; Mitchell, Bill (eds.). Courage Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1991–92 (4th ed.). Taunton: Football Directories. ISBN 1 869833 15 5.
  7. Stephen Jones, ed. (1988). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1988–89. London: Rothmans Publications Ltd.
  8. ^ Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1990). Courage Clubs Championship. Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1990–91. Horsham: Burlington Publishing Co Ltd. ISBN 1873057024.
  9. Cornwall Rugby Football Union 1992–3,1996–7
  10. Jones, Stephen, ed. (1993). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1993–94 (22nd ed.). London: Headline Book Publishing. pp. 151–167. ISBN 0 7472 7891 1.
  11. Jones, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1994). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1994–95. London: Headline Bookline Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7850 4.
  12. Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1995). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1995–96. London: Headline Bookline Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7816 4.
  13. Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1996). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1996-97. London: Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7771 0.
  14. ^ Mick Cleary, ed. (1997). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1997–98 (26th ed.). London: Headline Book Publishers. ISBN 0 7472 7732 X.
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  20. "2002-03 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  21. "2003-04 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  22. "2004-05 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  23. "2005-06 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  24. "2006-07 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
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  26. "2008-09 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
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  36. "2018-19 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
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  48. "Disappointment". Ivybridge RFC. 25 April 2009.
  49. "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 24 April 2010.
  50. "Promoted Camels give Thornbury the hump". Bristol Post. 27 April 2010.
  51. "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 30 April 2011.
  52. "Kings outgunned in promotion play-off against Thornbury". Western Morning News. 2 May 2011.
  53. "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 28 April 2012.
  54. "Dorling upbeat despite play-off loss". Torquay Herald Express. 3 May 2012.
  55. "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 11 May 2013.
  56. "Wells RFC miss out on promotion after losing play-off against Bideford". Somerset Live. 12 May 2013.
  57. "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 26 April 2014.
  58. "Matson clinch Western Counties North promotion with stylish play-off win". Gloucester Citizen. 29 April 2014.
  59. "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 25 April 2015.
  60. "Newent promoted after thriller". Malvern Gazette. 30 April 2015.
  61. "South West Play-Offs". England Rugby. 7 May 2016.
  62. "Chew Valley RFC lose division playoff". Chew Valley Gazette. 2 May 2017.
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  64. "Credit due for Crediton as Norton lose playoff". The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal. 2 May 2019.
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