Boys of summer

SUMMER rugby will take place at Oldham’s three premier amateur rugby league grounds from next year.

Last night’s historic vote of National Conference League clubs in Leigh approved the move from winter, with 28 in favour and 10 against.

Oldham St Anne’s, Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead all voted in favour of a March-to-November season, which is all-set to start in 2012.

The summer switch — initiated by the RFL and backed by the NCL’s management committee, but given a cold reception by BARLA — will see the NCL incorporated into a new four-tier structure featuring both the professional and ‘community’ spheres of the sport.

Financial assistance will also be provided from the governing body to help upgrade facilities.

Fewer cancellations as a result of adverse weather, increased participation at training on lighter evenings and the hope that younger players will improve skills in better conditions are the main driving forces behind the decision.

Detractors point to players being forced to decide between rugby league and cricket in the summer months, plus the possibility of an increase in injuries on harder pitches.

As far as Saddleworth Rangers coach Keith Brennan (pictured) is concerned, summer rugby for the amateur game can only be a good thing.

“There will be fewer cancellations, training will take place on light nights and it will also help to keep kids interested,” he said.

St Anne’s secretary Barbara Henderson added: “We can make game-days more family-orientated and it gives us scope to be more flexible with dates.

“If two local clubs are scheduled to be at home on the same day, we could play on a Friday night, for example, to avoid a clash.”

And Waterhead saw it as a step in the right direction.

“We voted in favour,” said Waterhead chairman Peter Beswick. “As a club we believe it is a positive move and the financial aspect is beneficial.”

At the end of the current season, the proposal put forward last night is that current NCL clubs will take part in an abbreviated campaign from August to November of this year, which will be regionally-based.

The reserve teams of St Anne’s, Saddleworth and Waterhead will play in a new summer competition between NCL clubs, also to be based around locality.

The North-West Counties League — featuring Higginshaw and Fitton Hill — will remain winter-based, as will the Pennine League in which Hollinwood compete.