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             JONES IS HEAD COACH

OLD Crossleyans have made a major change at the top as they prepare to cross swords with promoted Old Brodleians in North East One this winter, appointing Chris Jones as head coach in place of Jonathan Davies.

Jones was number two to Davies last season and the pair were key players as the Broomfield men exceeded expections, topping the table at one stage before eventually losing a promotion play-off game by 31-25 at home to Rossendale in late April.

Stand off Jones has agreed to take the post for two years and has brought in another former county player, ex-West Park St Helens teammate and lock Dave Westhead, as forwards coach. Westhead played twice for Caldy against Halifax in National Three North last season.

Former Wharfedale points machine Davies, who has been playing at fullback, is leaving the club after two years in charge. He has turned down a development role within the Crocs set-up.

Crocs chairman Barry Thompson admitted the decision to replace Davies with Jones would raise eyebrows among the players and supporters of Calderdales other five rugby union clubs.

But he said the decision was in the best interests of the club in the long term and they had been spoiled for choice with their coaching options.

We were hoping that JD would remain with the club as a player and take on a player development role with special responsibility for a junior section, said Thompson.

But we fully understand his reasons for leaving and his need to coach a senior side.

Everyone at the club thanks him for his superb efforts on and off the field, We are very, very sorry to see him go.

Davies, who is head of history at Crossley Heath School, had been willing to give up the main coaching responsibilities to the younger Jones. However, he had hoped to be director of rugby, in charge of player recruitment and retention and still involved on the coaching side.

Davies said: Im very disappointed. I thought I had done a reasonable job but youth was not on my side.

Perhaps things might have been different if we had been promoted. I have not felt a part of the plans during the close season.

Davies, who said he might consider retiring from playing, can reflect that fate has dealt him a harsh hand.

He broke his leg at Carlisle in his first league game in charge in the season before last and Jones was brought in to take charge of the training sessions.

Crocs struggled to retain their North Two East status in that campaign but their amateur line-up did well against several semi-professional line-ups in the latest season.

Halifaxs demise - they are starting afresh in Yorkshire Six next season - leaves the Crocs and reigning Yorkshire One champions Brods as Calderdales highest placed clubs in the league system.

Buster winner June

£150    77 Oliver Blackburn           £75    97 Max Uttley