Hopping Mad

16/4 update (any help filling the blanks and/or corrections appreciated): Super League Printed programme: Leeds Rhinos (48pp, £4, Ignition Sports Media production, "limited amount" available on gameday, from sellers opposite the club shop or behind the south stand; season subscription £75, including p&p), Leigh Leopards, Wigan Warriors (76pp, £4, MatchDayCreative production, sellers around the stadium) Printed teamsheet: Salford Red Devils (colour, ask at reception), Wigan Warriors (hospitality only) Digital programme: St Helens (free to download, from the club's socials), Wigan Warriors (76pp, £3, MatchDayCreative production, available to purchase, two hours before kick-off, via matchdaycreative.co.uk) Nothing: Castleford Tigers (see note, below), Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Hull Kingston Rovers, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves TBC: Catalans Dragons (see note, below) Note: Curtis Sport produced a limited edition printed programme (£8) for the 1/3 Las Vegas Festival fixture between Super League's Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors. Available also in digital format (£7) Note: An eight-page 'fan edition' printed programme, available on ebay (£4.99 plus £5.49 p&p), was produced for Castleford Tigers' 22/2 Super League fixture with St Helens. A similar issue (from the same source, at the same price) was produced for Catalans Dragons' 29/3 Super League fixture with St Helens Championship Printed programme: Barrow Raiders (44pp, £2, sold at Craven Park's Duke Street entrance), Toulouse Olympique (free from club shop, 40-50 print run) Digital programme: Bradford Bulls (24pp, free to download from club socials), York Knights (free, downloadable via QR code in stadium concourses) Printed teamsheet or squadsheet: Barrow Raiders (free, colour, available on request), Bradford Bulls (free, b/w, available from bars and tea bars), Doncaster (free, available from the car park and the lounge, from 2pm to 3pm), Featherstone Rovers (free, available from reception), Halifax Panthers, Hunslet (free, colour, available by stadium reception), Oldham (available from the 1895 Bar), Sheffield Eagles (free, available in "limited quantity", inside the stadium, from gameday volunteers), Toulouse Olympique (main stand handout, limited quantity), Widnes Vikings, York Knights (hospitality) Nothing: Batley Bulldogs, London Broncos League One Printed programme: Midlands Hurricanes (36pp, £3, Curtis Sport production), Swinton Lions (£3) Printed teamsheet: Keighley Cougars (b/w, available from the club shop), Rochdale Hornets (hospitality only), Swinton Lions (colour) Nothing: Cornwall, Dewsbury Rams, Goole Vikings, Newcastle Thunder TBC: North Wales Crusaders, Whitehaven, Workington Town Challenge Cup Printed programme: Aberavon Fighting Irish, Barrow Raiders (44pp, £2), Dewsbury Moor Maroons (20pp, £3), Hunslet ARLFC (18pp), Lock Lane (£10, w/a), Midlands Hurricanes (36pp, £3, Curtis Sport production), Mirfield (24pp, A4, £5), Wigan Warriors (76pp, £4, MatchDayCreative production, sellers around the stadium), York Acorn (£3, w/a) Digital programme: Hunslet ARLFC (18pp, free to download from club socials), North Wales Crusaders (£2, available to buy via the club website), St Helens (free to download, from the club's socials), Wigan Warriors (76pp, £3, MatchDayCreative production, available to purchase, two hours before kick-off, via matchdaycreative.co.uk), York Knights (free, downloadable via QR code in stadium concourses) Printed teamsheet or squadsheet: Barrow Raiders (free, colour, available on request), Bradford Bulls (b/w, available from the tea bars), Featherstone Rovers (free), Hunslet (free, colour, available by stadium reception), Keighley Cougars (b/w, available from the club shop), Rochdale Hornets (hospitality only), Salford Red Devils (colour, hospitality only), Sheffield Eagles (free, available from half-time draw sellers), Whitehaven, Widnes Vikings Nothing: Batley Bulldogs, Eastern Rhinos, Great Britain Police, Halifax Panthers, Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers, London Broncos, Royal Navy, Stanley Rangers, Thatto Heath Crusaders, Waterhead Warriors, West Bowling, Wests Warriors, West Hull 1895 Cup Printed programme: Midlands Hurricanes (36pp, £3, Curtis Sport production) Printed teamsheet: Bradford Bulls (free, colour, available from bars and tea bars), Hunslet (free, colour, available by stadium reception), Oldham (available from the 1895 Bar), Rochdale Hornets (hospitality only), Sheffield Eagles (free, available in "limited quantity", inside the stadium, from gameday volunteers) Digital programme: York Knights (free, downloadable via QR code in stadium concourses) Nothing: Batley Bulldogs, Goole Vikings, Newcastle Thunder, Workington Town Others TBC Pre-season Friendlies Printed programme: Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity, 26/12/24 (32pp, £3, Ignition Sports Media production) Printed teamsheets: Barrow Raiders (v Workington Town, Whitehaven, Salford Red Devils, each colour), Bradford Bulls (v Keighley Cougars, b/w, available from the tea bars), Featherstone Rovers (v Dewsbury Rams, Huddersfield Giants, each free), Oldham (v Wigan Warriors, available from the 1895 Bar) Nothing: Huddersfield Giants Testimonials Printed programme: Ash Handley [Leeds Rhinos], Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors, 26/1 (36pp, £3, Ignition Sports Media production) Printed brochure: Morgan Knowles [St Helens] (£10) Amateurs National Conference League Printed programme: Clock Face Miners (£1), Dewsbury Moor Maroons (£3, w/a), Distington (w/a), Egremont Rangers (12pp, £3, w/a), Ellenborough Rangers (8pp, £3, w/a), Featherstone Lions (4pp, w/a), Hensingham (w/a), Heworth (16pp, £1), Hunslet ARLFC, Keighley Albion (£3, w/a), Kells (w/a), Leigh East, Leigh Miners Rangers (£3, w/a), Lock Lane (w/a), Milford (4pp, £3, w/a), Millom (12pp, £3, w/a), Pilkington Recs (w/a), Thornhill Trojans (16pp, £2.50), Wath Brow Hornets (£4, w/a), Wigan St Patricks (£3), York Acorn (£3, w/a) Printed teamsheet: Stanningley (£4, w/a, includes comments from coach and chairman) Digital programme: Egremont Rangers (12pp, free, post-match, to download from club socials), Hunslet ARLFC (18pp, free to download from club socials), West Bowling (free to download from club socials), Woolston Rovers (32pp, free to download from club socials) Nothing: Bentley, Beverley, Crosfields, Drighlington, East Leeds, Hull Dockers, Ince Rose Bridge, Normanton Knights, Oldham St Annes, Saddleworth Rangers, Shaw Cross Sharks, Siddal, Waterhead Warriors, West Hull TBC: Barrow Island, Dewsbury Celtic, Myton Warriors, Oulton Raiders, Rochdale Mayfield, Skirlaugh, Thatto Heath Crusaders, Wigan St Judes Regional Leagues Printed teamsheet: Flimby Women Digital programme: York Valkyrie (free, downloadable via QR code in stadium concourses)

They were on sale outside the ground: by the players' entrance on Heritage Road and between the cricket ground end stand and the turnstile on the Heritage Stand side. Impossible to miss the women sellers. Perhaps they'd all been sold by the time you arrived. Cover scan attached.

Division Three's Distington are another National Conference League club to offer a printed programme this season. Included with admission, by the looks.

After a bolt-from-the-blue two-night hospital stay, followed by a fortnight's recuperation, I felt up to making the short drive to Elmpark Way, Heworth, yesterday (5/4), to watch a clash of National Conference League founder members. A stoppage time Harrison Briggs interception try enabled Heworth to lead Division One rivals Egremont Rangers 12-10 at half-time. If anything, Rangers, hampered by a warm-up calf injury to star player Keiran Glenn, were the better side in the first half. Heworth dominated the second. In the 47th and 51st minutes, the Villagers ran in converted tries, with an unconverted try in the 66th opening out a 28-10 lead. To their credit, despite trailing 10-34, Rangers didn't give up. In the last few minutes, the Cumbrians were held up in goal then knocked on when over the Heworth line. Egremont's persistence was rewarded with a 79th-minute try under the posts, although there was time for Heworth to add a Max Rhodes penalty (the wing contributed six goals) from the last action of the game. 36-16 the final score. Centre George Elliott scored two of Heworth's six tries. Rangers ran in three, including a brace from scrum half Matt Bewsher. Official home man of the match was wing Joeli Varo, the former Midlands Hurricanes and British Army player, who marked his Villagers debut with a 73rd-minute try, set up very nicely by Briggs and Fraser West. On a gloriously sunny (if not exactly warm) afternoon, circa 165 attended. Admission was £3 (£1.50 concessions), with a 16-page, printed programme available for a quid. Heworth run no fewer than 21 teams - men, boys, women and girls - and a youth game was just finishing when I arrived, about an hour before kick-off. Immaculate facilities. A thriving rugby league hub!

Harts, Mr Collins. Harts.

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The National Conference League's Featherstone Lions have confirmed they will include with admission a four-page printed programme for this season's Division Three home games.

According to their socials, the National Conference League's Wigan St Patricks will have a printed programme (£3, on top of £3 admission) available for today's (29/3) Division One clash with Oldham St Annes. A regular issue, I'm told. Given it's the same type of programme included previously with admission, early season sales have been discouraging. Not easy to charge for something you once gave away! Third Division Leigh East are another NCL club to offer a printed programme this season.

The National Conference League's Milford are issuing a four-page printed programme for tomorrow's (29/3) home game with Division Three rivals Featherstone Lions. Full colour on card. £3 with admission. Milford plan to issue for each home game this season.

bbc.co.uk (27/3): Former Lancashire and England fast bowler Peter Lever has died at the age of 84 following a short illness. Lever was part of the England team that won the Ashes in Australia in 1970-71 under captain Raymond Illingworth, the tour in which he made his Test debut. On the same trip, Lever also played in the very first one-day international, a hastily arranged 40-over match between England and Australia when the third Test in Melbourne was washed out. He actually first played for England earlier in 1970, against a Rest of World XI, matches that were eventually stripped of Test status. Overall, Lever took 41 wickets in 17 Tests and 11 more in 10 one-day internationals. He played for Lancashire between 1960 and 1976, claiming almost 800 wickets in 301 first-class matches. His wife Ros said: "It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that Peter Lever has passed away peacefully today. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. "An enormous thank you to everyone that has been caring and considerate in supporting Peter through these difficult recent times."

I am told National Conference League Millom issued a 12-page printed programme (£3, included with admission) for Saturday's (22/3) Division Three fixture with Milford. For those who like a teamsheet, I gather if you ask nicely at Swinton Lions, whose printed programme is £3, they will give you one. On that subject, in the regional amateur game, I am told Flimby made available a teamsheet (copy, front and back) for Saturday's (22/3) Cumbria League fixture with Premier Division rivals Cockermouth Titans.

National Conference League amateurs Woolston Rovers are offering a digital programme this season. Link to yesterday's (22/3) 31-page issue for the visit of Division One rivals Oldham St Annes. Free to download from the Warrington club's socials. https://www.calameo.com/read/00760899249fe8bc0637f?fbclid=IwY2xjawJNGrFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWGwENrnlGCp9KwZdFqIq8bZqvR53DXYVEj6mC-cGtq5VukSJBUsvRCM4w_aem_pfz21v7mxRoOTKvvXNHVgg Cumbria's amateur clubs are doing their bit to keep alive the tradition of printed programmes. The NCL's Kells are the latest to confirm. Their 2025 issue is included with admission.

Bradford Bulls came up with a digital offering (24pp, free to download from the club's socials) for their 21/3 Championship fixture with Barrow Raiders. https://indd.adobe.com/view/2848a2ca-05d3-44fb-94a6-bbee1d6a53ab

Whitehaven amateurs Hensingham, of the National Conference League's Division Two, have confirmed they will include a printed programme with admission this season.

According to their socials, National Conference League returnees Keighley Albion, back in the amateur game's flagship competition for the first time in almost 25 years, will have a printed programme available - included with a £3 admission charge - at Saturday's (22/3) Division Three season-opener against Bentley. I assume it will be a regular issue.

I'm sure that's right. Surely, most people can see the Davy option was the only way the issues of the Shay's unfit facilities would be sorted out.

Been some discussion about how that affects York City (possibly heading back to the Football League at the end of the season) and York Knights. Conclusion seems to be, under the terms of the leases the football and rugby league clubs have with stadium owners City of York Council, York Valkyrie aren't deemed a separate (i.e. second rugby league) entity. Anybody confirm?

Halifax Town fans are far from happy - as various threads (and an explosion of new members since Calderdale Council's decision was announced) on theshaymen.net forum indicates. Mind you, since Fax started sharing the Shay, rugby league's reputation- if you'll excuse the pun - has been mud (and the sport wasn't so despised when Fax played at Thrum Hall) with the football fraternity. In that sense, nothing has changed. Despite the noise from Halifax Town supporters, it was inevitable Calderdale Council accepted Davy's offer - he's the only interested party with any money. The council is skint (therefore desperate to offload a loss-making, unfit-for-purpose, costly-to-maintain white elephant), the rugby league club is skint and the football club is skint. With the two clubs now mustering barely 3,000 fans between them (i.e. less than the capacity of the east stand), I imagine Calderdale's council tax payers are thrilled to see the back of the Shay.

This season's printed programme at the National Conference League's Thornhill Trojans is £2.50 and game specific (including its cover). Sold pitchside. Owing to the open nature of their Overthorpe Park ground, Division Two members Trojans cannot take a gate. What Egremont Rangers describe as "logistical issues" prevented them having their customary printed programme, this season a 12-pager, included with £3 admission, for a 15/3 National Conference League campaign-opening fixture with Division One rivals Wigan St Judes. Here is the digital version: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/5737cec362.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJEuYVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfkcZ101J-rKu0eluco0OoGIN3d41H1oh1jglg0Ltnylmw6vDbYnHGZ4NQ_aem_AFBgwP0vAWhShDX_r39W3Q

Statement (15/3) from Premier Division Rochdale Mayfield: At the end of the 2025 season, our long-standing joint coaching team, Sam Butterworth and Stephen Wood, will unfortunately be stepping down as Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC National Conference League NCL coaches to take a well-earned rest. Sam began his incredible coaching journey with Mayfield in 2007, dedicating 19 seasons to our club. He was joined by his right-hand man, Stephen Wood, in 2018, contributing an additional 8 seasons. This remarkable duo has shown unwavering effort and commitment, spanning over a decade of hard work and passion. Both Sam and Stephen are ex-Mayfield players, adding even more depth to their connection and dedication to the club. Before joining the 1st team coaching setup, Stephen also spent a futher 12 years coaching youth teams, fostering and shaping the future of Mayfield Rugby League. His commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring the club's growth is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. Sam and Woody shared their intentions with me at the start of the season and recently sat down with the players to announce their decision. Importantly, they emphasized their determination to give it their all this season. They are more driven than ever to go out on a high and claim that elusive NCL Premier Division title. On behalf of the club, committee, and myself, I extend our deepest gratitude to Sam and Woody. They have been outstanding servants of Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC, and their dedication deserves the utmost respect and appreciation from everyone involved in our community. Let’s unite to make this season truly unforgettable and give Sam and Woody the send-off they deserve.

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Heworth, of the National Conference League's second tier, have confirmed they will offer a printed programme this season. First issue is for tomorrow's (15/3) season-opening visit to Elmpark Way of Oulton Raiders. Programmes (£1) available at the gate. Strange, how NCL amateurs Heworth and York Acorn can manage a printed programme, yet this season it is beyond the capabilities of the city's semi-professional York club. I know which one of the three won't be getting a visit in 2025! An 18-page digital programme (free to download from the club's socials) from Hunslet ARLFC for tomorrow's (15/3) Premier Division fixture with West Bowling. Usually, printed copies are available also at the gate. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/1005361621/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJBajdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcl8Jo2hHJhycAFkL3OYPgS3vvzQtok8eFwsE7F4uGzBxLnDSlek1GLM0w_aem_PkAs-01QTiyhZapoOWuncA

On their socials, the NCL's Thornhill Trojans have paid tribute to David Jewitt after the club stalwart's death: The passing of David Jewitt has saddened all those involved with Thornhill Trojans. David became involved with Thornhill Trojans in the late 1990’s, as a Committee Member, taking on the role of Public Relations Officer to bang the drum and make sure everyone knew about the club. He also took on the role of programme editor. Whatever David did, he did it with a passion. In 2000 Thornhill Trojans were awarded programme of the year at the National Conference League end of year awards, thanks to David’s efforts. In 2001, when Thornhill Sports & Community Centre opened in Overthorpe Park, David became a Director and drew up a Sports Development Plan with a vision for what the Thornhill Trojans brand could become. After moving on, David was keen to ensure Thornhill Trojans and Overthorpe Sports Club worked together for the good of sport in the village of Thornhill. David was a well known man in Thornhill and quickly became friends with all those who got to know him. An ambassador for all things Thornhill. David was still a regular at Thornhill Trojans games in recent seasons, patrolling the touchline with his camera taking action photos. These photographs were used by the club on the cover of the matchday programme. David was at the heart of the sporting community in Thornhill. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family during this sad time. R.I.P. David Jewitt

Leigh Miners Rangers will have a printed programme - £3, included with admission - available at their National Conference League home games this season, starting with Saturday's (15/3) Twist Lane fixture against Premier Division rivals Waterhead Warriors. Owing to "increasing costs", Stanningley, also of the National Conference League, will be issuing what they describe as a "reduced programme" this season. It will be a teamsheet, with comments from the club coach and club chairman.

Copies (£4.99 plus £5.49 p&p) are available, via a well-known online marketplace, of an eight-page 'fan edition' programme for Castleford Tigers' 22/2 Super League home fixture with St Helens. Can anybody shed light on this? Is it going to be a regular issue? Or is it a one-off 'pirate'?