Beverley ARLFC has returned to pre-season training following the usual close-season lay-off.
Head Coach Tony Spence, determined for his side to hit the ground running in 2022, has arranged a comprehensive and varied pre-season schedule. Boxing gyms are combined with the conventional outdoor sessions under lights.
Promotion out of NCL 2 remains the end game for Tony Spence. Despite enjoying coaching success with many of the regions leading amateur clubs such as Skirlaugh and Myton Warriors, his hunger and enthusiasm for more success has far from waned.
There will be a few changes across the 4 NCL divisions in 2022. There have been 3 resignations from the NCL during the Covid pandemic.
Underbank Rangers have withdrawn from the Premier Division and Division 3 has seen withdrawals from Gateshead Storm and Askam.
The original plan from the NCL management was that all sides would commence 2022 in the same division as they were in when the first Covid lockdown began on March 21st 2020.
Due to the resignations, a few adjustments have been made. Leigh Miners Rangers have been elevated to the Premier Division. Saddleworth Rangers have been moved to Division 1 and Heworth have been moved to Division 2. The top 3 divisions will comprise 12 teams apiece with Division 3 comprising 10 teams. It could be increased to 12 should 2 out of the 6 NCL applicants be given the green light by the NCL.
Beverley will line up in Division 2 alongside Barrow Island, Dudley Hill, Clock Face, Crossfields, Dewsbury Celtic, Dewsbury Moor, Heworth, Hunslet Warriors, Normanton, Wigan St Judes and Woolston Rovers.
Fixtures should be released shortly before the Christmas period with league season commencing on Saturday, 5 March.
Away from the field, the important business of fund-raising events for amateur rugby league clubs, which were put on hold during the pandemic are back on the agenda. Beverley is planning another Golf Day in May of which details will be released in due course.
