Hello again folks. Hey, the year is just flying in (not). It's Thursday the 18th January 2001, and the 'brass monkeys' have had one hell of a disastrous new year - and more importantly, so have we followers of the Rugby Leagues Northern Ford Premiership. Our balls have just rested dormant for far too long.

Hells fire what can we do to make it rain again? (apologies to residents of York and district). But at least even a wet, very wet, climate would have enabled more matches to commence - it's easier to bail out than thaw out eh? It does not surprise me to see the rumblings for a return to Summer rugby gaining momentum. If this severe cold snap continues much longer many of our NFP clubs may well find themselves on an even more slippery slope - to oblivion.

However despite these serious weather disruptions, (anyone remember 1963? Brrrrr.) I wouldn't bet much on a swift decision for a complete return to the hazy lazy days. I'm not so sure it would be right to do so either. Because I actually like the idea of having professional R.L. on the cards for almost twelve months of the year. In theory it gives you the chance to see portions of both the super and premiership leagues at first hand. Yes the seasons do overlap - even more so when the big bods stage their 'friendlies - but it still provides a more extended span for league followers to enjoy.

Obviously up here in the outback that is West Cumbria, we do not have the geographical advantage that the 'hotpots' and 'puddings' enjoy. That is, these fortunate people would have little difficulty in following such as Dewsbury or Keighley early doors in the calendar year, then switching, (or combining if wealthy enough), allegiance to Leeds or Bradford without burning much rubber at all - tyres or footwear - what an idyllic situation eh? And that is a factor which makes me seriously doubt that the cry - haste ye back Summer rugby - from the likes of our own Gary Murdock and the echo by Paul Cullen will only fall on stony ground, or perhaps through thin ice.

That's my view - through frosted contacts - Now let me have some feedback on this emotive issue please, I keep asking for responses re these 'chrome dome' articles - but see nothing happening on the message board. Hey ho it's off to Leigh we go....maybe.

The leythians are in fine fettle and it will be a toughie for our lads.

I notice Mike, the site mechanic, has inputted directions for Town travellers. I do hope you manage to find Hilton Park without seeking local assistance. A point I make following a trip a friend and I made several years ago to Leigh - for a mid week match - and got lost in the lancy town. We pulled up on this dark, foggy(ish) night, at a bus stop - and asked a leythian for directions to Hilton Park. He burst forth using a dialect that completely floored the driver and myself - what the hell he had said was almost a total mystery, (although the other locals standing in the queue nodded in agreement with the instructions) our only saving grace was good old B&Q, we both ascertained that was mentioned - so found the store and therefore the ground. But oh dear - Maryport you speak the 'Queens English' in comparison to that type.......
K.S.