The National Conference League Committee has with regret decided to suspend the 2020 season after clubs have only played a couple of league fixtures each.
As a result of this, it means Beverley ARLFC will see their season called off. News of the league’s decision has left Beverley’s coaching staff disappointed.
There had been a hope of a release of the lockdown on sporting events in early June which the league being able to resume.
However, this is now not possible with early July now been targeted by professional sport as a return date and even then that will be behind closed doors.
Permission to stage events that attract more than 500 people are likely to fall further down the list. Some NCL matches can attract 500 or more spectators.
Therefore the NCL management has decided unanimously to suspend the 2020 season and will replace it with a series of Regional Group fixtures. There will be no promotion or relegation.
A number of options are being explored and much will depend on when the NCL gets the go-ahead from the government to re-start. One suggestion could see Beverley in a Regional Group alongside West Hull, Skirlaugh, Myton Warriors, Hull Dockers, York Acorn and Heworth.
Head Coach Tony Spence has expressed his disappointment at this as he has been pleased with how pre-season training has gone and how players have bought into his regime.
However, the Regional Groups are likely to give Beverley a chance to test themselves against higher-ranked opposition.
Beverley is also in the semi-finals of the BARLA National Cup and it remains to be seen what decision will be made with that competition.
