by Andrew Gidley

Aylesford Bulls Rugby Club have won their appeal to the RFU over the re-allocation of points in London 3 South East following the demise of Lordswood earlier this season.
The Medway club withdrew because they were unable to fulfil their remaining fixtures due to a lack of players, and the decision taken in London on Monday means that Bulls, not Old Reigatians, finish as runners-up. It is their highest ever league position and they face a home play-off against Wimbledon on Saturday, with the winners promoted to the new London 1.
In a statement, the RFU said: “The competition organising committee had decided to withdraw all match results relating to Lordswood. The panel found exceptional circumstances which justified the results of Lordswood remaining. Any outstanding fixtures not played by them will be awarded as walkovers.”
Champions Old Elthamians (38), Bulls (34) and third-placed Hove (33) all received four points while Reigatians (32) received only two after losing their only game against Lordswood, dropping from second to fourth.
Bulls' director of rugby Paul Carroll (pictured), who attended the appeal, said: “I felt we had a good case but I am surprised we won as we were taking on an establishment like the RFU. I think the rules need to be made clearer, they were there to be challenged and that’s what we did.”