New Northern Summer Conference launched
Representatives from North East and North Yorkshire Rugby League clubs went to
Rugby Football League headquarters at Red Hall in Leeds this week to officially
launch a new summer competition.
The Northern Rugby League Summer Conference will feature five teams in an organised
competition with a further four sides competing in a series of friendly games.
The competition kicks off on Saturday, May 6 with a Nines tournament at Teesside
while the league programme starts the following week on May 13.
The five teams in the league, Bridlington Bulls, Gateshead Panthers, Teesside
Steelers, West Craven Warriors and Wetherby Bulldogs will play each other three
times. The top two sides will then meet in a Grand Final play-off on Saturday,
September 9.
Four other teams, Durham Tigers, Newcastle Lions, Scarborough Sovereigns and Sunderland
City will play regular friendly fixtures against each other and the five league
sides. League Administrator, Mick Hogan, commented: “All the clubs are very excited
about the forthcoming season.
"Moving to summer gives all the teams access to new players, better facilities
and provides conditions that are suited to more open, expansive rugby. All nine
clubs are laying down firm foundations for entry to the Rugby League Conference
for 2001 and this summer should prove an excellent learning curve for all.”
In a further boost to the fledging competition, former Great Britain international
and BBC commentator, Ray French, has agreed to be the League’s Honorary President
to the 2000 season.
Opening weekend’s fixtures – Saturday May 13: Wetherby Bulldogs v West Craven
Warriors
Teesside Steelers v Bridlington Bulls
Issued by the Media and Marketing Department of the Rugby Football League, Red
Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. Telephone: 0113 237 5014 (direct line), 0113
232 3838 (fax) johnh@rfl.uk.com (e-mail).