Batley Boys given go-ahead to join prestigious National Conference

The West Yorkshire outfit have been elected to Division Three alongside Heworth – who will return after a three-year absence – and Hensingham.

A Conference statement said: “All three have been powerful forces in their respective regional leagues this season and have strong clubs that field well developed youth and junior sections.”

But Castleford outfit Cutsyke were turned down as were Nottingham Outlaws, Walney Central, Gloucester All Golds, Distington and East Hull.

The Conference will include 50 teams next year. The 14-team Division Three will kick off on Saturday, February 23, with the Premier Division, Division One and Two all including 12 sides and beginning seven days later on March 2.

Conference administrator Alan Smith said: “Experience has informed us not all clubs in Division Three are able to complete the season for whatever reason. When we had 12 teams in the competition a couple of clubs falling by the wayside left insufficient fixtures. However, since we have gone to 14 clubs we have still lost a couple of clubs, but it has still meant we have been able to provide sufficient games – usually around 22 – to make the competition fully viable.”