Inter-League Cup

[Vicar]

Hi all,

In years 1975-1980 there was so called Inter-League Cup held. How the teams starting there were determined? Because there were only few from each league, not every single one. Was that prestigous tournament?

[daveallan81]

The 1st Division teams appear to by invitation.

The 2nd Division teams qualified based on their league position the previous year.

The top 8 2nd Division teams qualified except in these years:

1976 when league winners Birmingham moved up to the 1st Division so teams finishing 2nd to 9th in 1975 were included.

1977 when the competition was extended and the top 10 2nd Division sides from 1976 were included.

1979 when Eastbourne, who had finished 4th in the 2nd Division, moved up to the 1st Division and the 1978 9th team was included (Glasgow).

I don't know if 'prestigious' is the right word but it did give 2nd Division tracks the opportunity to race against 1st Division sides in a competitive environment.

Unfortunately very few made it past the first round - Boston defeated Hackney in 1975 before losing at Belle Vue in the nezt round. The only other 2nd Division side to win a match were Workington who defeated Ipswich and King's Lynn before losing at Hull in the semi-final in 1976.