Widnes St Marie’s withdraw from NCL

The Hatton’s Solicitors National Conference League has been hit by the resignation of Widnes St Marie’s.

League bosses recently found the club guilty of fielding an ineligible player, handing them a points deduction and a fine of £1,000.

The club had denied claims that Halton Simms Cross player Ryan Millington, who was suspended for an offence committed while playing for Widnes West Bank Bears in the summer, featured in Marie’s 22-16 win at Milford Marlins in October.

The club, who were well placed at the top of the division one table, claimed that they had been treated unfairly.

Marie’s believe that disciplinary proceedings were not invoked within the 28-day period required by competition’s constitution.

Players, coaches and committee members met to discuss the matter and decided to withdraw from the league.

Conference officials have confirmed that the club’s record has been expunged.