Moor and Trojans gear up for league’s kick-off

Thornhills Adam Johnson breaks away from the Lock Lane defence during the Trojans final warm-up match ahead of the National Conference season.

It has been five years since Thornhill were involved in the Conference and even longer since Moor played at that level but both make their return in Division Three this weekend having operated in the Pennine League for the past few seasons.

Moor were challenging for the Pennine Championship title until they were forced to withdraw to take their place in the Conference and their upturn in form has been largely due to reaping the benefits of a successful junior and youth set up.

Moor have appointed Alan Samme as head coach and he will be assisted by senior players Andrew and Peter Robinson, along with Adrian Moore.

Moor also have former Batley Bulldogs and York City Knights coach Gary Thornton on board to offer advice and expertise.

The club was formed in the 1960s and will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary. It can boast a number of players who have come through the junior ranks to play professional rugby, including the four Burgess brothers Sam, Tom, George and Luke.

Moor begin their campaign away to Heworth on Saturday, when the Trojans start at home to Crosfields, when they are holding a sponsors day.

The Trojans will be wearing their new Longley Concrete sponsored kit for the first time and are expecting a decent crowd, with a curtain raiser between the Trojans Under-11s and Keighley Albion kicking off at noon.

Dewsbury Moor are also looking to sell ground sponsorship boards, priced £100 each for the season, and anyone interested should contact a committee member.

Dewsbury Celtic are a fourth local side in the National Conference and begin their Division Two campaign at home to Millom on Saturday, March 21.

Celtic are due to travel to Hanging Heaton in the Heavy Woollen ARL John Kane Cup on Saturday.

Shaw Cross Sharks suffered a 44-12 defeat to Pilkington Recs in their opening National Conference League Division One fixture of the season last Saturday.

The Sharks were well in contention at half-time as they only trailed 20-12 after unconverted tries from Daniel Flowers, Jordan Anderson and Adam Masson.

Pilkington took control after the break and ran in a further 24 unanswered points to complete victory.

The Sharks welcome Elland to Leeds Road on Saturday.