Promotion party for Rangers

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE:

SADDLEWORTH Rangers head to their big post-season bash celebrating promotion to the premier division of the National Conference League.

A defeat for Normanton Knights at division one champions Thatto Heath finally rubber-stamped the Greenfield side’s elevation to the amateur league’s elite division.

A third game in five days proved too much for the Knights, who could only draw level on points with Saddleworth by beating Thatto on their own patch.

And even then, only a massive and highly improbable 162-point win would have been enough to overhaul Rangers and claim third place.

It means that Rangers — who as recently as four years ago were scraping around near the bottom of division two — are back competing for honours at the top level again, much to the delight of club chairman Terry Flanagan (pictured).

“We set a target of promotion at the start of the season and though we coughed and spluttered towards the end, the groundwork was complete before Christmas,” said Flanagan (pictured).

“The table doesn’t lie and we deserved to finish in the top three. We are delighted with the coaching and the efforts of the squad.

“It is our end-of-season party this week so that should be a really great occasion.”


TWO new applicants are seeking inclusion in the National Conference League for net season.

Elland and Hunslet Warriors are the clubs in question and their respective applications will be put before a ballot at the league AGM late next month.