Here comes summer

Fitton Hill Bulldogs coach Mick Whaley

RUGBY LEAGUE: THERE is a new dawn on the horizon for the amateurs of Fitton Hill Bulldogs.

Fed-up with their continuing battle against the elements, the club are to switch to the new North-West Counties Men’s Summer League.

Fitton Hill have played just two matches in the last 10 weeks and, fearing players will pack in the game because of the lack of competitive action, they have decided to shun the cold and wet.

Coach Mick Whaley said: “One of those 10 matches was in the Standard Cup at Oldham St Anne’s. Our pitch at Hathershaw School is not fit. If we’re not careful, players will lose interest, and that’s why we’ve decided to go summer.

“There is a cost element involved as well. It is cheaper to play in the summer. We can train outside on the grass instead of paying for sports halls or gyms when the weather is bad.

“I’ve heard some people say that grounds will be rock hard, but our summers are never baking-hot.

“Anyway, it will still rain, but at least it will be warm rain.”

The club have to complete their programme in Division Four of the North-West Counties League before the new season gets under way in April.

Fitton Hill’s announcement follows the lead set by Oldham St Anne’s, Saddleworth Rangers and Waterhead, who are gearing for the first summer campaign in the National Conference League.

However, it is in contrast to Hollinwood and Higginshaw, who will continue to play in the NWCL winter competition.

Whaley added: “The players had the final say and they were unanimous in voting for it.

“We’re in a division of 10 clubs, so we’ll have 18 league matches, as well as cups to play for. I’m looking forward to it and I’m confident of a decent season. The extra training we’ll be able to do outside should improve the team. It’s almost impossible to work on your sets of six when you’re stuck in the gym.”