Optimistic Sharks bid to slay Dragons - Vic's new challenge
Optimistic Sharks bid to slay Dragons - Vic's new challenge
SHAW Cross Sharks launch their new National Conference Second Division season when they meet Eastmoor Dragons at Leeds Road on Saturday (2.30pm).
The Sharks are now the only Conference team in the area following the demise of Thornhill Trojans, who are competing with just one team in Pennine League Division Three. The Cross should be stronger on and off the field after struggling last season when they finished at the foot of the table.
Ryan Glynn is back from Australia and new recruits include hooker or loose forward Nathan Hatfield and promising centre Richard Bostock, who has joined from Thornhill.
Wing or centre Shaun Squires, who had a tremendous season in the Summer Conference team, has quit football to play for Cross during the winter and maintains a strong family link with the club, while Ben Gilbert has returned after a few years out of the game.
The Sharks also hope to have some of the young players who appeared with the Dewsbury Rams' reserve team during the summer but are still seeking half-backs to strengthen their squad.
The Sharks have a new coaching team, led by Kevin Fellows, who has Brett Turner and Steve Jones as assistants, while Ben Richardson becomes the open age secretary after doing the job during the summer. Huddersfield Giants' star Lee Gilmour is director of coaching at his old club.
n There are now four local teams in the re-shaped Yorkshire League after some switched to the Pennine. A new side has been formed in White Rose, who are based at Hanging Heaton Working Men's Club, where old rugby league hand Colin North is president, and will play home games at Bywell Fields.
Batley Boys have stayed and will compete in the Second Division along with the revived Dewsbury Celtic, who have formed a winter team largely consisting of young players, to add to their summer team.
Batley start against Nevisons Leap at Halifax Road on Saturday (2.30pm), while Celtic meet York Acorn A in Crow Nest Park.
The third Heavy Woollen team in the Yorkshire section are Shaw Cross A, who visit Methley Royals in Division Three. White Rose are in the same division and visit Eastmoor Dragons A. They are coached by Glenn Towey and Kenny Williams and hope to revive the old spirit and reputation of the former Hanging Heaton club.
Birstall Victoria are one of six Yorkshire League teams to have switched to the Pennine League and will compete in the First Division East along with neighbours Dewsbury Moor.
The Vic start against Kippax Welfare at White Lee on Saturday, while the Moor meet New Earswick at Heckmondwike Road.
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Weather for Batley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
