Saints’ derby start

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne's kick off their winter National Conference League season with a home clash against neighbours Waterhead on Saturday, August 13 (2.30pm kick-off).

Saints, now coached once again by Chris Deakin, take on opponents who have also made a switch at the helm, with Jon Perks and Paul Geener taking joint control.

The two sides feature in Group 'E' of a competition featuring 12 fixtures per side, ending in a Grand Final at an as-yet unspecified venue on Saturday, November 19.

Saddleworth Rangers are involved in a mainly Calderdale based Group 'C' and their opening game under new coach Martin Crompton is a tough one, away at Siddal on August 13 (2.30pm).

Every one of the 40 teams involved team plays the other four in its respective group home and away and also takes on a single side from the adjacent group twice, giving a total of 12 matches per club.

The format of the knockout or stage which follows the group games will be decided at the next NCL meeting on Monday, August 1.

All fixtures are currently subject to change but at present, Waterhead are due to host St Anne's in their return derby clash on the final weekend of Saturday, November 5.

NCL winter league —

Group 'A': Egremont, Leigh East, Leigh Miners, Thatto Heath, Wath Brow.

Group 'B': Askam, Ince Rose Bridge, Millom, Wigan St Judes, Wigan St Pats.

Group 'C': Elland, Ovenden, Rochdale Mayfield, Saddleworth Rangers, Siddal.

Group 'D': East Leeds, Hunslet Warriors, Milford, Oulton, Stanningley.

Group 'E': Crosfields, Eccles, Oldham St Anne's, Waterhead, Widnes West Bank.

Group 'F': Castleford Lock Lane, Castleford Panthers, Eastmoor, Normanton, Stanley.

Group 'G': Dudley Hill, Heworth, Shaw Cross, West Bowling, York Acorn.

Group 'H': East Hull, Hull Dockers, Myton, Skirlaugh, West Hull.