Knights handed derby Conference opener

The fixtures have been released for the 2010 Co-operative Rugby League Conference National season and a local derby is first up for newcomers Kippax Knights.

The RLC Yorkshire Premier Champions will have home advantage at Long Dyke Lane against Dewsbury Celtic when they make their bow in the top tier and they cannot wait.

Former Hunslet player Dave Jessey, is already looking forward to getting back on the field with the Knights.

“We’ve been eager and exited to hear about the fixtures and Dewsbury will be a really tough test for our first game,” he said.

“It will be a good marker to see where we are at. I know, having spoken to our ex-Dewsbury Rams players and new signings Chris Redfearn and Paul Steel, that this will be no easy task but we are really look forward to it.”

Defending Champions Bramley Buffaloes put their crown on the line first up at Hemel Stags in a repeat of the 2006 Grand Final which the West Leeds outfit won 30-8.

“2010 looks like it could be the best season yet, with the addition of Kippax Knights there will be no easy games,” commented Bramley chairman Martyn Cheney.

“The season is nearly upon us and we are looking forward to the big kick off with a trip to old foes Hemel Stags.  What a barnstorming way to start the season, with the Buffaloes and Stags on the rampage!”

In other opening day match ups, last season’s runners up Huddersfield Underbank Rangers, who reached their first final to celebrate their 125th birthday in 2009, will host Warrington Wizards; Liverpool Buccaneers face Nottingham Outlaws who are currently involved in the Carnegie Challenge Cup and Carlisle Centurions will be hoping to outwit Featherstone Lions.

The competition kicks off on Sunday 18th April with the regular season comprising of 18 rounds finishing on the weekend of 21st/22nd August.

Play offs for the top six will lead to Co-operative Grand Finals Day as part of a triple header with the Championship and Championship One deciders on Sunday 26th September.

Co-operative Rugby League Conference National 2010 – Opening Day Fixtures

RLCN Round 1 Sunday 18 April 2010 – Kick Off 2 30pm

Kippax Knights v Dewsbury Celtic
Liverpool Buccaneers v Nottingham Outlaws
Hemel Stags v Bramley Buffaloes
Huddersfield Underbank Rangers v Warrington Wizards
Carlisle Centurions v Featherstone Lions