A LEADING amateur Rugby League squad are making a historic move.

Thatto Heath are moving in with Rugby Union neighbours West Park.

And they will play their first game at the Red Rocks venue this Saturday (March 15).

It's one of the first cross-code sharing schemes since the great split in 1895.

The move follows an unsettled period for North West Counties Premier League outfit Heath, who previously played home games at Sherdley Park.

They've had a nomadic existence, with training venues over the past 18 months ranging from Sherdley, Prescot Panthers, Saints and Liverpool St Helens RUFC.

And the low point of Heath's wanderings came last Saturday, when they were humbled 68-4 by Cumbrian outfit Ellenborough Rangers in the BARLA BNFL National Cup.

The move also coincides with Heath's bid to improve their status in the amateur ranks.

They have applied to join the National Conference League and are hoping to develop a clubhouse and ground of their own on land behind the Tannery Farm Garage at Thatto Heath.

Heath secretary Shaun Crehan explained: "The facilities we had at Sherdley Park do not come up to the standard required by the Conference. This is a very generous offer from West Park."

And he added that they expected to hear news about their application for National Lottery funds to help build their own club in the near future.

Club public relations officer Brian Cook said: "At an emergency meeting it was decided to seize the lifeline thrown by Rugby Union neighbours West Park who generously offered a full package of training facilities.

"With immediate effect Thatto Heath will transfer lock stock and barrel to West Park."

West Park secretary John Fletcher said: "We are happy to help them at this time. We have had a good relationship with them in the past."

Heath will play at Red Rocks until the end of this season and during the summer the two clubs will have further talks about continuing the ground-sharing scheme for next season.

Meanwhile, in a week of turmoil, for Heath coach Neil Slater tendered his resignation just a few days before the trip to Ellenborough because of domestic commitments.

And assistant coach Darren Kenny was appointed caretaker coach until the end of the season, when the position is likely to be advertised.

Training sessions will now take place on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 6.30pm.

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