LINDLEY Swifts have clinched the Pennine League Division III title.
With main rivals West Leeds having to forfeit their weekend title-deciding clash against Swifts, the Huddersfield club were crowned the champions without having to take to the field.
They did, however, have time to rearrange one of their outstanding fixtures at home to Dudley Hill.
And that could prove vital as it means coach Kevin Bower’s side now don’t have to play a midweek game in between this Friday’s James Joseph Conlan Memorial Trophy clash against Newsome at Emley and their Andrew Bennett Memorial final meeting with Dodworth at Dewsbury on May 3.
Swifts were able to celebrate their title triumph straight after the Dudley Hill game, which they were able to win 40-32.
It was a victory which was expected, with the likes of the experienced Mark Burns and Nick Turner and talented youngsters Marc Chatten, Michael Metcalf and Eddie Wilson having led the way throughout the campaign.
And proud coach Bower couldn’t have been happier with the way things have gone this season.
“The players have worked their socks off since pre-season training began on June 9, so being crowned champions and making two major finals is nothing less than they deserve,” he said.
“The fact we have now settled in to our new home at Birchencliffe is another factor in our success,
“Having a floodlit area and a clubhouse on site makes a massive difference for the players and coaches alike.
“So, a big ‘thank you’ must go to the committee at Birchencliffe who have supported us magnificently throughout the season.”
