The picture is now clearer with regard to the restart of the National Conference League. It is scheduled to restart on 22 May.
49 member clubs will be divided up into 7 regionalised divisions each comprising of 7 teams. Each team will play each other twice.
They will also play two matches against sides from another division. This format will guarantee that each side taking part plays a total of 14 games.
At the end of this, the top two from each division plus two third-placed sides will go through to a 16 team play-off. This will culminate in a Grand Final.
This arrangement will be a stand-alone one for 2021. In 2022 the NCL will revert to the traditional 4 divisions.
Beverley will line up in a division alongside Heworth, York Acorn, West Hull, Hull Dockers, Myton Warriors and Skirlaugh.
Some concerns have been expressed about how even the competition might be. For example, division 3 Heworth will have to take on Premier Division West Hull. However, the concerns have been balanced against the desperation to get some action at all.
It is hoped that clubs will act in the interest of the game here. Higher placed sides may take the opportunity to blood youngsters when taking on lower placed sides in what will be something of an interim season
Draft fixtures have gone out to clubs and will be released in due course.
