Yorkshire & Humber Merit League
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.
| Sport | Rugby league |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 2010 |
| Number of teams | 10 |
| Country |  |
| Holders | Moorends-Thorne Marauders A (2010) |
| Related competition | 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
- RLC National
- RLC Yorkshire Premier
- RLC Yorkshire & Lincolnshire
- Yorkshire & Humber Merit League
The Yorkshire & Humber Merit League is the lowest level on the Rugby League Conference pyramid for clubs in Yorkshire and the Humber.
2011 structure
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- 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
| 2006 | South Humber Rabbitohs | 42-18 | Nottingham Outlaws Academy |
| 2007 | St Helens Wild Boars | 46-22 | German Exiles |
Midlands Merit League Shield
| 2007 | East Riding RLC | 32-26 | Nottingham Outlaws Academy |
| 2008 | Nottingham Outlaws Academy | 34-32 | Sheffield Forgers |
RL Merit League
| 2008 | Moorends-Thorne Marauders ML | 28-18 | Wigan Riversiders |
| 2009 Yorkshire pool | Upton RL | 30-22 | Victoria Rangers |
| 2009 Grand final | Upton RL | 52-24 | Huyton Bulldogs |
Yorkshire & Humber Merit League
| 2010 | Moorends-Thorne Marauders A | 52-14 | Leeds Akkies A |