Legendary former Great Britain, Leeds, Halifax and Bradford Northern prop forward Brendan Hill has taken over as coach of West Bowling under-16s.

Bowling, currently in Division One of the Yorkshire Youth Combination, are delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced player and coach and are sure that his vast knowledge can only benefit the young players.

The Bankfoot-based club, who have a number of players on scholarships at Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants – as well as at the Elite Academy at Keighley Cougars – have tasted success in the last couple of seasons, reaching the West Riding Cup final twice and finishing as runners-up in the league.

They are hoping for more success this year under the new coaching set-up, in which Hill is the new head coach.

He has taken over from Frank Levy, who becomes skills coach in a more one-on-one role with the players. Doug Lumb is assistant coach.

Hill said: “This is a role I am really enjoying. After all the game has given me, it is time to try and put something back into the game and the way I see it is to pass on the knowledge I have gained over the years I have played to some of the game’s rising stars.

“The lads are very hard-working and respect all that the coaches are doing for them and we respect the effort they are making, both on and off the field. They are a pleasure to be with.”

West Bowling, who have Clubmark status, are always on the look-out for players. For more information, contact junior secretary Richard Tordoff on 07899-943471.