Leeds honour for York RL ace Ray Batten (From York Press)

Leeds honour for York RL ace Ray Batten

11:52am Wednesday 21st November 2012 in Sport

FORMER Heworth ARLFC star Ray Batten has been honoured by the Leeds Players’ Association.

The ex-York RL director spent his entire 13-year career with the Headingley club and received the outstanding service award at the Players’ Association annual dinner.

Loose forward or stand-off Batten joined Leeds from amateur side Heworth in 1963 and went on to make 434 appearances, figuring in 12 major finals and winning ten.

Batten also earned five Great Britain caps before retiring in 1977. Seven years later he joined the York RL board and served as a director for 11 years.

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington, who presented the award, said: “Ray Batten was an outstanding servant to the Leeds club and he is still eighth in the all time list of appearances for the club with 434.

“It was an honour to present him with the award and great that the Players’ Association were able to recognise his contribution to the club.”