IT is all change once again in the Pennine League championship one division - after league chiefs were persuaded to go back to the previous format.

New Earswick All Blacks ARLC player-boss Jack Stearman said he and his club were perplexed by the decision, made last week, to split the division - the second tier in the Pennine League - into east and west sections for the remainder of the season.

The decision was made due to the large and disparate number of outstanding fixtures, a situation caused by re-organisations earlier in the campaign following the departure of a number of clubs to the summer National Conference League.

It saw All Blacks left with only one fixture to go and their scheduled match last Saturday cancelled. With several previous results wiped off, they also tumbled down the table.

However, at an emergency meeting of clubs held on Monday night, it was decided to revert back to how it was, with all results and fixtures restored.

All Blacks, therefore, go back to being second in the table with six games remaining, starting this Saturday with a trip to lowly Brotherton Bulldogs.

Said Stearman: “The majority of clubs wanted to keep to the previous structure, and we’re happy the league have gone back to it.

“I don’t know why we didn’t have a meeting three weeks ago to sort it out - we wouldn’t have been left without a game last weekend - but there you go.”

The season will continue as normal until April 25. However, given the number of fixtures some teams have left, which is up to 11 in some cases, outstanding games can be arranged for after that date, potentially taking the campaign to the end of May.

If a team fails to fulfil a fixture after April 25, however, there will be no financial penalty or points deduction, with the other team simply awarded a 30-0 walkover.

As for the Brotherton fixture, Stearman should have a strong side at hand, with Rhys Blake potentially back in the mix after injury. Said the player-coach: “We have to be confident.”

Sherburn Bears, likewise with six games left, continue their promotion tilt in division four with a trip to mid-table Dearne Valley Bulldogs.

Selby Warriors go to Wakefield City knowing victory will give them chance to replace the hosts in the top four given their game in hand.