Thriving society sees local referees top of the world

International referee of the year Ben Cummins, over from Australia for the Rugby League World Cup, and New Zealand official Henry Peranara were among the special guests who attended the meeting at Old Bank WMC.

The pair spoke of their passion for the game and how much they had enjoyed being part of an international team of match officials engaged in the most successful World Cup in history.

Dewsbury and Batley referees president Brandon Robinson said the society again remains the strongest in the country and have been represented at every level of the professional and amateur game.

The society had referees and touch judges at Super League, Championship, Reserve Grade and scholarship levels of the professional game, as well as in-goal judges.

They also participated in the 40 year celebration of Dewsbury winning the Championship and can even boast having international rugby union referee Jamie Leahy among their members.

Dewsbury and Batley officials at the meeting also heard first the news that Richard Silverwood had been appointed referee for last week’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand, with fellow society member James Child touch judge.

Craig Halloran was presented with life membership of the society after over 20 years of excellent service, while other awards were also handed out.

Bill Barker Trophy (Junior Referee of Year): Cain Crotty. Rex Milner Trophy (Most improved Referee of Year): Nick Bennett. Len Thompson Trophy (Clubman of the Year): Michael Mannifield. Referee of the Year: Richard Silverwood.

Elected officers: president Brandon Robinson, vice president Jamie Leahy, secretary Colin Child, treasurer John Haigh and Michael Mannifield as training and development officer.

Any aspiring referees are welcome to attend the society’s next meeting, at Old Bank WMC in Mirfield on Monday January 27 2014 at 7.30pm.