UNDERBANK RANGERS are ready to embark on a new life in the National Conference League.
After playing in the Conference summer competition since its inception in 2003 and appearing in the last four Grand Finals, Rangers have moved across to the Hatton’s Solicitors-sponsored National Leagues for 2013.
The switch was made after the decision was taken to merge all the summer Conference competitions together to create one big national summer League.
Underbank will take their place in Division III – there are the National Conference League Premier Division, Division I and Division II ahead of them – and have been handed a challenging opening fixture with a trip to Woolston Rovers (formerly Warrington Wizards) on Saturday.
The tough opening is followed by the visit to Holmfirth of legendary St Helens outfit Pilkington Recs and Rangers also face two of the relegated 2012 Division II teams in Heworth and Featherstone Lions, plus a trip to the North East to play the unknown Peterlee Pumas in round IV in the first month.
Other clubs to join the fledging league are Wigan sides Hindley and St Cuthberts, Blackbrook from St Helens, Crosfields from Warrington, Cumbrian outfit Kells and Championship-bound Coventry Bears.
