Sporting Digest: Rugby League

BATLEY have signed the former Welsh rugby union international stand-off Gary Pearce from Rydedale-York. Pearce was second-team coach at York until the appointment of the new coach Roger Millward.

FEATHERSTONE'S prop Leo Casey is set to rejoin Oldham, whom he left for a club record pounds 100,000 four years ago.

NORTHAMPTON have been admitted to the National Conference. The Northampton Knights will compete in the Third Division alongside fellow newcomers Eccles, Thornill and the Yorkshire side New Earswick All Blacks.