Beverley ARLFC’s season ends early

The Blue and Golds season has ended a week ahead of schedule. Their final league game against Hunslet Warriors at the Potting Shed will now not take place due to the withdrawal from the NCL by their opponents.

As has been reported in the League Express in recent weeks, talks between Hunslet Warriors and their near neighbours Hunslet Parkside, from the NCL Premier division regarding a merger have been taking place. It would appear that the merger is likely to take place and indeed has been discussed by NCL management.

Following a morale-boosting win for Beverley last weekend at Dewsbury Celtic it is something of a disappointment that they have not had the opportunity to end a difficult campaign on a high.

In accordance with the league rules, Beverley have been awarded the points for the fixture and will finish third from bottom (10th). Their relegation to NCL division 3 has been confirmed and process of close-season rebuilding will now take place. Positives to be gleaned from the season just passed has been the emergence of a number of young players who have perhaps had to step up a little earlier than anticipated. Division 3 could be the ideal level for the likes Alex Nuttall, Josh Hamlyn, Beau English and Joe Dobson to develop.

Nick Robinson