UNDERBANK will be up against three new sides in the Co-operative Conference National 2011 campaign.
The Holmfirth-based club, who were beaten 23-18 by Warrington Wizards in last season’s thrilling Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in September, will face stiff challenges from Coventry Bears, Welsh Conference champions Valley Cougars and Gateshead Lightning as the competition expands to 11 clubs.
The make-up of the new-look League was unveiled by Dan Steel, the competition’s lead officer, who is delighted with the way the Conference as a whole is shaping up.
“The Conference pyramid is getting stronger by the season as the competition as a whole continues to go from strength to strength,” he said.
“Each of the newcomers knows exactly what to expect from stepping up a level and, after a rigorous vetting process, have had their excellent applications accepted.
“Last season was rated by many as the best ever on the field, and the management group are confident that the inclusion of the trio will maintain that. These continue to be exciting times for the Co-operative Rugby League Conference.”
During last season Carlisle Centurions and Liverpool Buccaneers expressed a desire to play at Conference Premier level and the format for that competition and the expanded RLC Regional will be unveiled soon.
Co-operative Conference National clubs: Bramley Buffaloes, Coventry Bears, Dewsbury Celtic, Featherstone Lions, Gateshead Lightning, Hemel Stags, Underbank, Kippax Knights, Nottingham Outlaws, Valley Cougars, Warrington Wizards.
