Amateur RL: Premier defence begins with rivals

Aug 30 2007 Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

HALTON Simms Cross will begin their quest for a record fifth championship in a row when the Mark Norris Construction NW Counties Premier League programme gets under way on Saturday.

And they have drawn a plum opener, with a home clash against great rivals Blackbrook at Gossage's Rec.

The clubs finished first and second last time, Simmies winning the National Cup and Blackbrook the Lancashire Cup.

Simmies have won the title seven times in all, but amazingly Blackbrook have never lifted it - although they have finished runners-up on four occasions.

Elsewhere in the top-flight, there's also a Warrington derby with Ryland's at home to Bank Quay Bulls - without John Fieldhouse.

In Division One champions Golborne Parkside travel to Barrow Island for their opener.

Promoted Wigan St Cuthbert's go to Bold Miners and Orrell St James - who were rumoured to be close to folding - are home to Pilkington's.

After several late problems, the league will open up with 82 teams in seven divisions.

Plans to reduce the numbers in each division to 10 had to be scrapped.

There are three new clubs in Alsager College, Irlam Hornets and Leyland Warriors while some of the A teams which dropped out last season are returning.

The league has however, decided to drop the Bowl competition and just to run the Premiership Cup and Challenge Cup.

League officials are hoping last year's excellent disciplinary record in terms of dismissals and sin bins will be even bettered.

It's a big ask but that's the aim and the league's penalty-points system will operate.

* Simmies A visit Parkside Golborne (ko 2.30pm) and all first and second team players are asked to meet at Dundalk Road for 12.30pm.

Award-winning coach Rob Shone and Frank Malloy take charge of the first team with Kenny Murphy, Alan Magee and Kev Phillips 'running' the reserve string who urgently need new players.

Simms Cross ARLFC thank Andrew Horabin of Andrew's Cleaning Services for sponsoring this season's match balls.

Simmies are also appealing for donations to help them to pay the £500 fine imposed by BARLA for the non-fulfillment of the Champion of Champions final.