DEWSBURY RAMS chairman Mark Sawyer says the health of the community game is paramount as both his club and neighbours Batley continue to fly the Heavy Woollen flag in the professional arena.
Rams coach Paul March has strong links with the grassroots, most recently as coach of Shaw Cross Sharks, based near the FLAIR Stadium, while the Bulldogs have made Paul Couch, who has built a big reputation through his work with Castleford amateur team Lock Lane and in the England Community Lions set-up, assistant to new team chief James Ford.
Dewsbury have signed hooker Dave Benson, a former Leeds junior who the caught the eye with Kippax in the Yorkshire Men’s League, after he successfully completed a trial, with March explaining: “Dave impressed Conor (Turner, his assistant) and me, especially with his energy and sharp decision making.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him take his opportunity at this level.”
Last season March blooded brothers Craig and Jack McShane at fullback and hooker respectively after signing them from Hunslet ARLFC, as well as former Shaw Cross forwards Dec Tomlinson and Tenneson Neagle and ex-Dewsbury Moor winger Louie Walker.
“We’ve always been a club who have to think about the way we recruit players and look at where we can get value, and the community game has proved a good place to look,” said long-serving Sawyer.
“We’re lucky Paul is a man who just loves Rugby League at all levels, had a great knowledge of the amateur scene and experience of coaching in it and has good contacts.
“Batley are similar and keep a close eye on things, but a bit of competition is good, and I think both clubs would say they want the community game both in our area and farther afield to flourish.
“I just think that’s so important for Rugby League as a whole, not only for producing players but also for maintaining interest in the sport.”