The Rugby Football League reminded amateur clubs, in its regular Friday email, of ‘Return to Play’ guidelines as grassroots sport emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kelly Barrett stated: “This weekend sees the return of competitive activity for several leagues. We have had several complaints that clubs have not been following the guidelines in friendlies which is disappointing when so many are. These complaints are from clubs understandably getting frustrated that they have worked incredibly hard to follow all the protocols whilst others are choosing not to. Where specific issues have been identified they will be investigated.
It is essential that the following is observed: entry exit and parking arrangements in place at venues that ensures social distancing can be maintained; clubs must display the appropriate signage, at all entry and exit points, to ensure that people maintain social distancing rules; clubs shall implement traffic flow systems where possible and appropriate; socially distanced areas for teams, officials, and spectators must be outlined; clubs must have appropriate hygiene provisions in place; all players, coaches and volunteers must be registered on LeagueNet; health check forms including temperature checks for players, coaching staff and the match official must be completed, and records kept for 21 days (you do not have to temperature check spectators); clubs are required to maintain records of all staff, volunteers, members, and visitors in attendance at their venue; match balls must be provided by the home club (if the ball goes out of play then a new clean ball must be used and the previous one sanitised before this is able to be used again); spectators are not permitted to attend sporting events taking place on private land, other than adults needed to supervise under-18s that they have a responsibility for, or providing care or assistance to a person with disabilities participating in organised sporting activity. This does not prevent people from viewing recreational or organised sport that is taking place in a public space, in groups of six or two households. However, sporting events that are intended or likely to attract a significant number of spectators should not take place in a public space or on private land until Step 3.”
She stressed: “Any breaches to these guidelines could result in your club not being able to take part for a period of time, please remember this,” adding, “the RFL is keen to remind everybody involved that the Coronavirus hasn’t yet gone away and that sport isn’t out of the woods yet. All participants and spectators are being urged to follow the RFL’s ‘set of six’ to stay safe and keep Rugby League firmly on the right path: 1. Keep your hands clean; 2. Stay socially-distanced wherever possible; 3. Follow your club’s rules; 4. Respect those around you; 5. Self-isolate if showing Covid symptoms; 6. And, of course, enjoy the game.”
Barrett concluded: “Over the friendly period we have unfortunately had several reports of misconduct on the field of play. After such a long period of time not playing it is disappointing and the relevant competitions will be dealing with these cases. It is important that coaches impress the importance to players of them complying with your own club’s Code of Conduct and the RFL’s Respect Code of Code and discourage all instances of unsporting behaviour, foul or illegal play, or acts of violence, both on and off the field. We have all worked hard to get the sport back playing the last thing we want is for there to be a negative portrayal of the game.”
She also reminded clubs that no fixtures should be advertised, thereby encouraging spectators, until Step 3 of the Government Guidelines is reached.
CRAMLINGTON ROCKETS are celebrating sponsorship by Stakeford Tyres.
The Choppington company is backing the Rockets this year and the firm’s logo will feature on the chest of the first team’s strips in the North East Men’s League.
Stakeford Tyres’ backing of Cramlington follows existing sponsorship of Newcastle Thunder fullback Lewis Young and director Ashley Kane said: “We are proud to be associated with Cramlington Rockets. We always try to support local sports initiatives and in the Rockets we really do see the value in what they bring to the community.”
Cramlington Chairman Jeff Ball added: “It is great to have such a community minded company supporting. With everything that has happened in the last year, it really does show tremendous character from them as an organisation.
“We are excited to get back on the pitch and competing. We have a mix of regulars, new faces and returning players that means we have a good mix of experience and talent in the squad this year that will, I’m sure play some entertaining rugby.”
WOOLSTON ROVERS have named Emily Grundy as Jen Lowe’s successor as Head Coach of the Warrington outfit’s Girls Academy.
The Academy had, under Lowe, expanded to between 20 and 30 players and Rovers have expressed their gratitude to her for her achievements.
Grundy said: “I am looking forward to further building the Academy. Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to go into multiple primary schools teaching and encouraging young girls to take part in a sport that means so much to me. Rugby has been a huge part of my career and I have had the opportunity to build young girls’ confidence, and joy in taking part in the sport that has had a huge impact on my life.”
Rovers Community Development Officer Dom Ball added: “Emily has extensive experience working in primary schools, high schools and colleges to promote rugby and, with her background in coaching for the Warrington Wolves Foundation and playing for Thatto Heath and Widnes Vikings, she will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Girls Academy.
“This appointment also shows that we are working hard to be an inclusive community based club and that we are giving as many opportunities as we can for our community to be involved with us.”
Parents of players aged seven or over (or sponsors) who are interested in joining the girls academy can contact Grundy on 078 8566 9996 (email wrgirlsacademy@gmail.com).
EAST OF ENGLAND
Results
Saturday 8 May 2021
PREMIER DIVISION: St Albans Centurions 30 Hemel Stags A 0; North Herts Knights 12 Brentwood Eels 30.
NORTH EAST MEN
Results
Saturday 8 May 2021
Wallsend Eagles 72 Durham Tigers 4; Durham Demons 26 Hartlepool Hurricanes 4; Catterick Crusaders 60 Friarage Falcons 4.
NORTH WEST MENS LEAGUE
Results
Saturday 8 May 2021
PREMIER DIVISION: Halton Farnworth Hornets 14 Ashton Bears 12; Shevington Sharks 40 Halton Simms Cross 10; Thatto Heath Crusaders A 10 West Bank Bears 26; Wigan St Cuthberts 18 Orrell St James 22.
DIVISION ONE: Chorley Panthers 12 Hindley 16; Haydock 8 Latchford Albion 46; Oldham St Annes A 6 Dalton 24; Ulverston 18 Bury Broncos 16; Widnes Moorfield Tigers 12 Haresfinch 16.
DIVISION TWO: Cadishead Rhinos 25 Westhoughton Lions 18; Leigh Miners Rangers A 50 Hindpool Tigers 12; Pilkington Recs A 20 Thatto Heath Crusaders B 10.
DIVISION THREE: Chester Gladiators 12 Leigh East A 12; Salford City Roosters 30 Woolston Rovers A 4; Wigan Bulldogs 6 Crosfields A 63.
DIVISION FOUR: Clock Face Miners A 36 Higginshaw 18; Golborne Parkside 28 Garswood Stags 16; Newton Storm 0 Burtonwood Bridge 14; Wigan St Judes A 68 Langworthy Reds 12;.
DIVISION FIVE NORTH & WEST: Preston & South Ribble Rabbitohs 18 Liverpool Lions 34.
DIVISION FIVE SOUTH & EAST: Ashton Bears A 34 Bolton Mets 0; Burtonwood Chargers 26 Runcorn 6; Ince Rose Bridge A 24 Waterhead Warriors A 42.
YORKSHIRE MENS LEAGUE
THE Yorkshire Men’s League returned after over a year with a programme in which FRYSTON toppled OULTON 30-6. The Castleford outfit bounced back from Adrian Holdsworth’s try and Kieran Walpole’s conversion with a brace apiece for James Allen and Danny Jarrett, with Brandon Stead and Kieran Purdy also racing in and Jae Priest booting three goals.
THORNHILL TROJANS won their DIVISION FIVE fixture at KING CROSS ACADEMY 32-0, thanks to two tries by George March and touchdowns for Scott Carter, Lewis Farren, Josh Gearey and Andrew Lambert; Brad Lewellyn (2), Chris Mitchell and March added goals.
Results
Saturday 8 May 2021
PREMIER DIVISION: Brighouse Rangers 12 Siddal Academy 22; Bentley 12 Queensbury 12; East Hull 14 Cutsyke Raiders 6.
DIVISION ONE: Oulton Raiders 6 Fryston Warriors 30; Mirfield Stags 26 Bramley Buffaloes 8; Ovenden 28 King Cross Park 36.
DIVISION TWO: Farnley Falcons 12 Ossett Trinity Tigers 10; Lindley St Josephs 58 Goole Vikings 4; Skirlaugh Bulls 24 Doncaster Toll Bar 6; York Acorn 50 Hull Wyke 4.
DIVISION THREE: Hunslet Club Parkside 42 Stanningley 2.
DIVISION FOUR: Crigglestone All Blacks 4 Kirkburton Cougars 34; Kippax & Swillington Miners 26 Dodworth Miners 24; Lock Lane 86 Dewsbury Moor 0; Newsome Panthers 52 Garforth Tigers 0; Normanton Knights 22 Brotherton Bulldogs 18.
DIVISION FIVE NORTH: Birstall Victoria 12 Featherstone Lions 31; East Leeds 28 Silsden Storm 10; Stanley Rangers 26 Eastmoor Dragons 0.
DIVISION FIVE EAST: Three Tuns 56 Scarborough Pirates 4; West Hull 0 Bilton Bears 6.
DIVISION FIVE WEST: Brighouse Rangers A 32 Wyke A 0; Illingworth 24 Todmorden 16; King Cross Park Academy 0 Thornhill Trojans 32; Birkenshaw Blue Dogs 14 Queensbury A 20.
DIVISION FIVE SOUTH: Woodhouse Warriors 26 Dearne Valley Bulldogs 26.
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES
THORNHILL TROJANS posted a 36-14 win over neighbours DEWSBURY MOOR after having led 12-8 at the interval.
The Trojans prevailed through a Jacob Holmes brace, a try and three goals for George Woodcock and touchdowns by George Stott, Matthew Tebb, Casey Johnson and Harry Woollard; Joel Gibson closed the account with a conversion.
Brad Adams, Kieran Dean and James Samme replied for the Moor, Brad Foster improving one effort.
HUNSLET WARRIORS eased to a 34-4 victory at SHAW CROSS, who were 18-0 down at the break and who were limited to a try by Nick Wright. Jonny Dawson crossed twice for the visitors, with Dave Norton, Liam Brown, Mickey Hoyle and Gareth Croft also dotting down. Jordan Gale added five goals.
Elsewhere, UNDERBANK RANGERS won 20-12 at DEWSBURY CELTIC and BRADFORD DUDLEY HILL accounted for visitors SADDLEWORTH RANGERS 30-10.
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