14 Dec 2023

National Conference League Releases 2024 Fixtures

The fixtures for the 2024 National Conference League season have been released today with the competition set for another intriguing campaign.

The action gets underway on the 2nd March when 46 of 47 clubs across four divisions will start their programmes, all with dreams of play-offs, promotion, and silverware.

Hunslet ARLFC finished last season as champions of the National Conference League Premier Division, winning a close game against West Hull and they will start with an interesting trip to Siddal. West Bowling came up as champions of Division One and begin with a home tie against York Acorn while fellow promoted side Egremont Rangers host 2023 runners-up West Hull and Heworth, returning to the top division for the first time since 1999 start their Premier Division campaign with a home game against Kells. Lock Lane take on Thatto Heath Crusaders and there is a heavyweight clash at Wath Brow where the Hornets host last season's surprise package Rochdale Mayfield.

Division One sees immediate meetings between two of the relegated and two of the promoted sides as Leigh Miners Rangers can look forward to a derby with Wigan St Patricks after both clubs dropped out of the Premier Division, while Dewsbury Moor will lock horns with Waterhead Warriors following their elevation from Division Two. Crosfields under the guidance of new coaches begin their campaign by hosting Skirlaugh while Clock Face Miners travel to Hull Dockers and Ince Rose Bridge begin their season with a challenging game at Stanningley. Woolston Rovers, who won promotion via the Division Two play-offs, will get an immediate challenge when they host last year's Division One play-off beaten finalists Oulton Raiders.

Division Two gets underway with two of the promoted sides to the division away from home. Oldham St Annes travel to Dewsbury Celtic while Millom, under the guidance of Bradd Crellin, are at Wigan St Judes. Ellenborough Rangers, who were promoted in their first season as a National Conference League club have a home game against Barrow Island to look forward to, while Myton Warriors host Normanton Knights. The two sides relegated from Division One last season make an immediate reacquaintance as Thornhill Trojans travel to Pilkington Recs and Shaw Cross Sharks begin 2024 with a home tie against Saddleworth Rangers, who turned their form around with an outstanding late season run last term.

Division Three looks set to be a melting pot this season with Featherstone Lions restored to the Conference having withdrawn from Division One midway through last term. They start with a challenge at Leigh East who will look to improve on their 4th-placed finish in 2023. The two relegated sides from Division Two also cross swords on week one when Milford and East Leeds have a derby to build for while a Cumbrian derby also awaits National Conference new boys Distington who make the short hop over to Hensingham. Beverley hosts Drighlington and Eastmoor Dragons host Bentley with Seaton Rangers set to play their first game of the season a week later on 9th March.

Here are the fixtures in full for week one.

Premier Division