BLACKBROOK and Woolston Rovers have been granted membership of the flagship National Conference league.

The duo had already received the backing of the league management committee and they were formally accepted following a vote by member clubs.

Following their inclusion the league now has 50 sides within its four divisions and NCL Chairman Trevor Hunt is looking forward to the coming season which will kick-off on Friday March 1.

“I’d like to welcome both Blackbrook and Woolston into our league and I am sure they will help strengthen the league as a whole.

“After looking through their applications the management committee was confident that they would both enhance the league and we are pleased that the member clubs agree with us. Along with the other seven new teams they are sure to play a part as the league continues to develop.”

The 2013 season will also see seven other new sides join the competition as Peterlee Pumas, Wigan St Cuthberts, Hindley, Coventry Bears, Kells, Underbank Rangers and Pilkington Recs all join.

The member clubs also voted to re-elect Featherstone Lions, Crosfields, Eastmoor Dragons and Heworth.

Fixtures for the new season will be released shortly.