Yep. A single 1st grade win can be the difference between promotion or relegation. regardles of the success of the rest of the Club.
That extra grade translates and the expectation of quality games translates into a $10K-$20K difference in bar revenue between Div 1 and Div 2. Factor in the improved exposure of Div 1 improves (albeit minimally) sponsorship exposure and the financial rewards for going up a division are very tangible.
Plus the recruitment benefit of being in Div 1 is much stronger.
Flatten the points and you will have stonger Clubs going up and down, not just stronger first grades. Why do you think so many teams have struggled in recent years.
They have great 1st grades that got them promoted then struggled with the depth required to field the extra side and support the punishment that players get in Division 1. It not a coincidence.
Never a truer statement Rugby Central. Most Div 2 teams go up on the back of a strong 1st/2nd grade or 1st Grade/Colts. However in Div 1 this isnt enough. You need 6 strong teams to stay up.
Recent history
Kings (Club champs 2008) relegated after 1 season
Lindifeld (Club champs 2009) lasted 2 seasons
Barker (Club champs 2010) lasted 2 seasons
Hunters Hill (Club champs 2011) lasted 2 seasons
Balmain are in their 2nd season in Div 1 and i am sure they will stay up.
I will watch Petersham with great interest this year to see if they can stay up.
Not many clubs have gone through relegation and gone straight back up. Check out some of the dropped teams
UNSW very strong club but havent been able to come back after being relegated in 2008
Forest, another strong club that have been in Div 2 for a few seasons now.
Relegation is not kind to clubs!
I agree with rugby central, lower the points for 1st grade and make 2nd, 3rd and Colts worth more. LEAVE 4th grade as is, we dont want clubs stacking 4th grade to win titles