Carry on regardless

IT’S business as usual at Higginshaw Amateur Rugby League Club — despite the North-West Counties League folding after 40 years of existence.

Officials called time on the competition after Salford City Roosters and reigning champions Wigan St Cuthbert’s withdrew, leaving just four clubs.

The NWCL once boasted 127 teams in the 1990s, but numbers have dropped alarmingly recently, and more than 50 jumped ship with the dawn of summer rugby league.

Higgy, however, resisted the temptation of turning out from March through to September.

Now, though, they are left with no league to play in.

Secretary John Mellor said: “This has been coming for a while, and when Salford City Roosters and Wigan St Cuthbert’s said they were leaving, that was it.

“The competition couldn’t continue with only four clubs. It was an easy decision to make.

“It is sad, because we’ve got some good memories of the league.

“We switched to the North-West Counties League from the Pennine League in the 1991-92

season, and went straight through the divisions.

“We stayed unbeaten in Division One and then had two seasons in the Premier when Charlie McAllister was coach.

“We reached a couple of cup finals as well.”

Higgy are setting their sights on returning to the Pennine League next season — local rivals Hollinwood play in Division Five — but there is an outside chance they may be allowed in this term.

Phil Bradbury, the Oldham Amateur League secretary, has made representations to Pennine League officials over a quick switch.

Mellor went on: “We’ve got Phil in our corner, so we’ll have to see what happens.

“Training will continue and we’ll try to arrange some friendly games as we have a Standard Cup tie against Oldham St Anne’s to prepare for in January.”

Neil Girvin, secretary of the NWCL, said: “It is a sad situation.

“A lot of people have given years of their lives to rugby league, but it seems lads just don’t want to play in winter any longer.”

A meeting will be called in the New Year to officially wind up the competition.

Higgy get together at Hathershaw Sports College every Wednesday, from 6.30pm to 8pm.