After continuing discussions with the RLCN Management, CARLISLE CENTURIONS have decided to relinquish their place in the competition and look to take the club in a different direction.
The Centurions, who were yet to pick up a point as the season approaches its half way stage were struggling for sufficient numbers at training to be competitive at this level. Club Chairman Alan Tucker, a stalwart for the sport in the area, outlined the club’s position and the extenuating circumstances.
“We feel the honourable course of action is for us to withdraw with immediate effect and apologise unreservedly for any inconvenience this action may cause,†he commented.
“In 2009, whilst winning only five of our games, we completed all fixtures and finished the season in ninth position. The players opted to continue but Centurions have so far this season suffered nothing but heavy defeats and a huge injury list, many of whom are out for several weeks.â€
“We've had some welcome support from CARLA clubs, Ellenborough ARLFC in particular, 30 miles away,†he added. “Our local resources are, in the main, players who learned the game in the late 80s/early 90s when Carlisle last had a schools development officer and they are now well into their thirties. Those mature players form the bulk of our squad.â€
“There has been no schools development work in the city since those days until this month when a new RFL initiative was started in the city.â€
He continued, “We feel that we need to regroup as a development club ready for 2011 in one of the RLC Premier or Regional Leagues. Three of our senior players are taking the Level Two Coaching Course this summer and we will be well-placed to develop the code in Carlisle in conjunction with the RFL.â€
“I’d like to pay tribute to player/coach Dennis Bibby who has run his blood to water in the cause of Carlisle Centurions RLFC since his appointment last year. His unflagging enthusiasm and fortitude under extremely trying circumstances has been an inspiration and object lesson to all of us.â€
“Each away game required amateur players to spend between five and ten hours on a coach for just 80 minutes on the field. The "national" dimension of the league proved to be just too demanding, along with the heavy defeats and resultant injuries.
He did offer a ray of hope for the future. “On a positive note, at training on Thursday there were about a dozen players taking part in an arduous session with Dennis. After it, I and a couple of the other organisers had a discussion with coach and players.â€
“We were very heartened and they were at great pains to stress that they intend to stay together as a team, train all summer and play any friendlies or pre-season games with West Cumbrian clubs. They intend to keep Rugby League alive and well in Carlisle.â€
Carlisle’s record has been expunged.
