OULTON RAIDERS have been relegated from the Kingstone Press Cider National Conference League’s First Division.
The Raiders have been demoted, and Hunslet Warriors remain in the section, after having been deducted two points by the NCL Management Group for fielding an ineligible player in the home fixture with Milford in early September.
Conference Administrator Alan Smith said: “Following a full and frank investigation, Oulton Raiders have been found guilty of a fielding an ineligible player in their match against Milford on 3 September and therefore, in line with the rules and practice of the NCL competition, they have been deducted two League points and fined £100.
“Unfortunately this deduction now sees Oulton Raiders relegated to Division Two, and reprieves Hunslet Warriors who now finish outside of the Division One relegation places.”
He continued: “Oulton Raiders have chosen not to appeal the decision.
“It is unfortunate that Oulton have made the error that has resulted in this outcome, but the NCL Management are there to operate in the best interest of the League’s member clubs and to deal with all issues in a fair, consistent and equitable manner for all.
“The NCL always work hard to try and deal with any issues in as speedy a manner as possible, but we are always mindful that the correct outcome is paramount, and we are always particularly keen to ensure that the clubs are given their best opportunity to defend themselves against any allegations of irregularity.”
Smith closed: “We are working with the RFL to ensure that registration and de-registration systems are more easily accessible and better understood by all parties – players, club administrators and the League – but ultimately it is up to the NCL clubs to ensure that any player that plays for them is correctly registered and entitled to play under the rules of the competition. If in any doubt they should not play that player until such time as every element of that doubt is removed and the RFL have a duty officer working on a Saturday who can be contacted to answer any question on a player’s eligibility.”
