Yorkshire & Humber Merit League
SportRugby league
Instituted2010
Number of teams10
Country England
HoldersMoorends-Thorne Marauders A (2010)
Related competitionRugby League Conference

The Yorkshire & Humber Merit League is a rugby league competition for clubs in Yorkshire and the Humber. It is a feeder league for the Rugby League Conference.

History

The Midlands Merit League was founded in late 2005 to support the growth of rugby league in non-heartland areas. Originally intended as a stand-alone league, support from the Rugby Football League meant that it could be administered as part of the Rugby League Conference organisation. Interest quickly gathered with 13 teams looking to participate in the inaugural season - eight eventually participated. The first game took place on 8 April 2006 at All Saints Sports College, Sheffield, where the Sheffield Forgers beat the Chesterfield Spires by 58 points to 8.

The league was renamed Rugby League Merit League (RLML) for the 2008 season due to its increased geographical spread with teams from the North of England taking part. 2009 saw the largest ever entry, with over 30 teams split into two leagues; "Yorkshire and Humber" and "North West" with the Midlands Rugby League becoming its own competition using merit league rules.

In 2010 the Yorkshire & Humber Merit League and North West Merit League became separate competitions.

Rugby League Conference Pyramid

The Yorkshire & Humber Merit League is the lowest level on the Rugby League Conference pyramid for clubs in Yorkshire and the Humber.

2011 structure

  • NB: Barnsley Broncos A failed to start the season in the Midlands Division

Participating teams by season

  • 2010: Barnsley Broncos A, Barton Bulldogs, Haworth Park A, Heavy Woollen Donkeys, Junior Saracens, Knaresborough, Leeds Akkies A, Moorends-Thorne Marauders A, Rotherham Giants A, South Humber Rabbitohs

Past winners

Midlands Merit League Championship

2006South Humber Rabbitohs42-18Nottingham Outlaws Academy
2007St Helens Wild Boars46-22German Exiles

Midlands Merit League Shield

2007East Riding RLC32-26Nottingham Outlaws Academy
2008Nottingham Outlaws Academy34-32Sheffield Forgers

RL Merit League

2008Moorends-Thorne Marauders ML28-18Wigan Riversiders
2009 Yorkshire poolUpton RL30-22Victoria Rangers
2009 Grand finalUpton RL52-24Huyton Bulldogs

Yorkshire & Humber Merit League

2010Moorends-Thorne Marauders A52-14Leeds Akkies A

See also

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