Great point! I remember all the "Open" fixtures on the calendar, which often used to end up as challenges. One of my main memories from 1969 was an end-of-season challenge at Plough Lane when the Dons took on a "London" team. I was there. I had no intention of missing it. It was speedway, so I went. And I enjoyed it
You say about the individual trophy meetings. It was that variety that maintained our interest. A couple of league matches, then an individual meeting. Couple more league matches, then a KOC clash. Another league match, followed by a 4-Team Tournament. Great stuff!