Premier league strengthens for coming season
Following applications from CMS Yorkshire league teams Queens, Hunslet Old Boys, Dewsbury Moor, Birstall Victoria, Ossett Trinity and Oulton Raiders A to join the Pennine league for the 2010-2011 season, Pennine bosses have given all 6 clubs the green light.
In a turnaround in the nomination process where the Pennine team delegates vote at the annual general meeting on any new teams’ applications. The league management have taken a stance in where they decide on any new teams seeking to join the league.
It has not yet been decided where the new teams will be placed in the divisional structure but its 'assumed' that on playing strength Queens and Hunslet Old Boys will placed in the top tier.
Two spots are available in the premier league as Elland were successful in joining the NCL and Kippax Welfare were relegated along with New Earswick and Keighley Albion due to non fulfilment of fixtures.
The inclusion of the two new teams along with the promotion of Slaithwaite Saracens will make for a much improved division with more competition for the top spot than recent years have provided.
Sharlston chairman Michael Taylor said “I’m pleased to see the premier league become even more competitive, we have had some really good games with both Queens and Hunslet Old Boys in the past. With Queens past reputation looking to be behind them I’m sure being in the league will improve the competition and they will relish the regular fixtures. All eyes will be on them for the start of the season, on and off the field but once that calms down I’m sure come the end of the season it will be more than a two horse race unlike past years. One is for certain we’ll have to be up for every game this season and I’m positive Gordy will be able to get the lads firing.”
Confirmation of the league divisions is expected after the annual general meeting on Monday 26th July and opening week’s fixtures shortly after which starts Saturday 4th September.
Assumed Premier League
Crigglestone All Blacks (Wakefield)
Drighlington (Leeds)
Halifax Irish (Halifax)
Hunslet Old Boys (Leeds)
Sharlston Rovers (Wakefield)
Siddal A (Halifax)
St Joesphs (Huddersfield)
Slaithwaite Saracens (Huddersfield)
Queensbury (Bradford)
Queens (Leeds)
* league decision pending
