The two highest place teams in Group A will contest the Spitfire Cup on Finals Day

The two lowest place teams in Group A will contest the Spitfire Plate on Finals Day

The winner of Group B will play the winner of group C in the semi-finals for a place in the Bowl Final

The winner of Group D will play the winner of Group E in the semi-finals for a place in the Bowl Final.

The 2nd placed team in Group B will play the 2nd placed team in Group C in the semi-finals for a place in the Shield Final

The 2nd placed team in Group D will play the 2nd placed team in Group E in the semi-finals for a place in the Shield Final

(Home advantage in the semi-finals will go the team that has played more away matches in the group stage)

​

COMPETITION RULES

​

1. Group stages to follow the same rules and points scoring system as the Shepherd Neame Kent Rural Leagues except:
 

• No limit on size of squad and number of replacements used but no player should play for more than one club in this season 

• No players under 35 

• Maximum of 5 players in 35-39 age group on the field at any time. To help ensure that this is adhered to, skippers should provide their opposition with the names of their under-40s 1 day prior to the match and should identify them to the opposition on match day.

• Front-row rules: If a team starts with or reverts to uncontested scrums, they lose 7 points from their on-field score.

• “Game On” initiative. Teams facing opposition with less than 15 players but at least 12, must reduce their on-field numbers to match the opposition – and/or provide players to them. (To be agreed before the game)

• Any team that loses after making such “Game On” concessions, will gain a bonus point in the pool stages.

​

2. Knockout stages as above. In the event of a tie after 80 minutes, the away team wins, except in the Finals, when a tied game will be awarded to the team scoring most tries, or if still tied, most converted tries or if still tied, drop-goal shoot-out for 5 players.

​

3. All games to be played on or before the default date except where weather intervenes. Matches to be re-arranged by agreement of both teams and the organizers.

​

4. There is no requirement for participants to be paid-up club members of the participating clubs, as we are trying to encourage retired players to turn out 4 or 5 times a season with their old mates. Each club can handle this as they see fit.

​

5. Home team to provide food and society ref.

​