2023 National Conference League fixtures released
The fixture lists have been released for the 2023 Impact Performance National Conference League season.
The flagship Rugby League Community Game competition, which began in 1986, now consists of 46 clubs and four divisions with the new season commencing on Saturday 4th March.
In the Premier Division, the newly formed Hunslet ARLFC, begin their new history with a game against promoted Hull Dockers . Hunslet ARLFC are the result of an amalgamation between champions Hunslet Club Parkside and neighbours Hunslet Warriors and look set to be even more formidable than before.
Promoted Premier new boys Kells and Wigan St Patricks begin their respective campaigns away at Leigh Miners Rangers and Siddal, while York Acorn who staged a late season rally to avoid relegation last term, start at Wath Brow Hornets and Rochdale Mayfield host Lock Lane from CAstleford.
Division One promises to again be a melting pot of huge challenges, with newly promoted Heworth starting at established Ince Rose Bridge, while two of last year’s premier relegated sides meet at Pilkington Recs, when Egremont Rangers in arrive in town. Thornhill Trojans, also relegated last term play against promoted Clock Face Miners while Crosfields who were also in Division Two last year go up against West Bowing. Skirlaugh host Oulton Raiders while Featherstone Lions go over to Stanningley in what promises to be a strong opening round.
East Leeds go up against Dewsbury Moor while Waterhead host Milford after a superb 2022 that brought both clubs ascension from Division Three. Fellow promoted club Shaw Cross Sharks travel over to Wigan St Judes. Other interesting looking fixtures see Dewsbury Celtic host relegated Myton Warriors while Saddleworth Rangers begin life in Division Two with a tough looking trip to Normanton Knights and Woolston Rovers host Barrow Island.
Division Three commences a week later on Saturday 11th March and competition in the ten team league looks set to be fierce. New boys Ellenbrough begin the Conference story with a derby game against Hensingham. Another all Cumbrian affair beckons as Millom host Seaton Rangers while Leigh East host Oldham St Annes, Beverley are at home to Bentley and Drighlington make the short hop to Eastmoor Dragons.
Opening fixtures – National Conference League 2023
Saturday 4th March 2023
Premier Division
Hunslet ARLFC vs. Hull Dockers
Leigh Miners Rangers vs. Kells
Rochdale Mayfield vs. Lock Lane
Siddal vs. Wigan St Patricks
Wath Brow Hornets vs. York Acorn
West Hull vs. Thatto Heath Crusaders
Division One
Ince Rose Bridge vs. Heworth
Pilkington Recs vs. Egremont Rangers
Skirlaugh vs. Oulton Raiders
Stanningley vs. Featherstone Lions
Thornhill Trojans vs. Clock Face Miners
West Bowling vs. Crosfields
Division Two
Dewsbury Celtic vs. Myton Warriors
East Leeds vs. Dewsbury Moor
Normanton Knights vs. Saddleworth Rangers
Waterhead vs. Milford
Wigan St Judes vs. Shaw Cross Sharks
Woolston Rovers vs. Barrow Island
Saturday 11th March 2023
Division Three
Beverley vs. Bentley
Eastmoor Dragons vs. Drighlington
Ellenborough vs. Hensingham
Leigh East vs. Oldham St Annes
Millom vs. Seaton Rangers