photo by Ian Lovell

The Wales Rugby League Match Officials have achieved another landmark with two of its members, Darren Scott and Ian Curzon, passing The Rugby Football League fitness test. The tests were carried out at Wigan and Leeds on different nights but on both occasions the weather was atrocious with heavy rain and strong winds. By passing the test they are now both able to touch judge games at all levels of the game up to National League 2 which is where Celtic Crusaders play.

Leading on from this Darren was appointed to touch judge at the Northern Rail Cup match between Celtic Crusaders and Widnes Vikings on 9th February at The Brewery Field. This is the first professional match appointment by a

member of the Society which is a fantastic achievement in only its’ second season. Darren, who lives in Fishguard, was thrilled by his selection and couldn’t wait for Friday night. Ian was appointed as reserve referee at the same match.

Chairman of the Society, Alan Smith, commented before the game “I cannot believe how much has been achieved by not only Ian and Darren but all the Society Members. It will be a steep learning curve for Darren on Friday and also for Ian when he gets his appointment but they are both more than capable and will not let anybody down. If somebody had said to me when we started the Society that we would have guys at this level inside two seasons I would have questioned their sanity but it shows what can be done with hard work and effort. It is also a testimony to the development work done by The RFL and the assistance given by Wales Rugby league.

The Society are looking for a main sponsor for the coming season, if anybody is able to assist or would like to become a Match Official please contact Alan Smith on 07812 407445 or Email Alan