Rugby League: Highfield likely to be fined

Dave Hadfield
Thursday 20 January 1994 00:02 GMT
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AN investigation has been launched into Saddleworth's complaint that Highfield fielded three unregistered players in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie between the two clubs on Sunday.

Saddleworth came within three points of becoming the first amateur club since 1909 to dismiss professional opposition from the cup, but they are unlikely to earn a second chance.

Highfield's error seems to have been in the paperwork involved in negotiating the loan of the three players from Chorley Borough, and a fine is the likely outcome.

'The matter is being investigated,' the Rugby League's public affairs executive, David Howes, said. 'But it appears to have been a breakdown of communication rather than an intent to deceive. It does not seem serious enough to warrant replaying the match, and Saddleworth have not made a formal request for that to happen.' Highfield are due to meet Whitehaven in the fourth round on 30 January.

Bramley plan to leave their home at McLaren Field and move in with a non-League football club, Farsley Celtic. Subject to the Rugby League's approval, Bramley hope to start next season at Throstle Nest, Farsley's ground in west Leeds, not far from their existing ground, which they hope to sell for housing.

Castleford have named an unchanged, full-strength side for the Regal Trophy final against Wigan at Headingley on Saturday. The side differs from the one that beat Bradford Northern in the semi-final only in the return of the New Zealand Test centre, Richie Blackmore, after injury. He replaces Tony Smith, who is himself now injured, with Andy Hay and Dean Sampson the likely substitutes.

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