Key Points
- Hunslet ARLFC claimed the National League Premier Division championship with a 14–0 victory over league leaders West Hull.
- East Leeds earned their third consecutive promotion after defeating city rivals Oulton Raiders in the Division One play-off final.
- Luke Littlewood produced a man-of-the-match performance for East Leeds, scoring a try, kicking five goals, and dropping a single point.
- Tries from Luke Littlewood, Dave Gibbons, and Isaac Coleman secured the Division One victory for Easts, who had finished fourth in the table.
- Joe Horan and Ben Brady scored tries for Oulton Raiders, with Archie Craggs contributing a goal.
- In the Premier Division final, Caelum Jordan, Harry Shackleton, and man-of-the-match Jack McShane scored first-half tries to seal Hunslet ARLFC’s win.
- The showpiece finals day was staged at the home of Super League champions Wakefield Trinity under adverse weather conditions.
- Action photographer Stephen Gaunt of Touchlinepics captured 24 featured images from both final matches.
Wakefield (The Leeds Times) October 27, 2026 – Leeds community rugby league celebrated a remarkable double triumph as Hunslet ARLFC and East Leeds emerged victorious in their respective National League play-off finals hosted at the home stadium of Super League champions Wakefield Trinity. Three of the four teams competing in the flagship National League deciders hailed from Leeds, marking a historic showcase for the city’s grassroots rugby league setup. Hunslet ARLFC claimed the prestigious Premier Division title with a decisive 14–0 victory over regular-season leaders West Hull, whilst East Leeds secured a third successive promotion by overcoming local rivals Oulton Raiders in the Division One decider.
How Did East Leeds Triumph Over Oulton Raiders in the Division One Final?
As reported by sports correspondents covering the community game, East Leeds completed a dramatic postseason campaign by climbing from fourth place in the Division One table to earn promotion.
Their victory in the final came through an impressive attacking display led by Luke Littlewood, who earned man-of-the-match honours. Littlewood orchestrated the offense, scoring a try, converting five goals, and slotting a field goal to anchor his team’s performance.
Dave Gibbons and Isaac Coleman also crossed the try line for East Leeds to solidify the scoreboard lead. Oulton Raiders, who had mounted an encouraging campaign after retaining their divisional status due to a late club withdrawal prior to the season, fought back with tries from Joe Horan and Ben Brady, alongside a goal kicked by Archie Craggs. Despite their efforts, Raiders were unable to bridge the deficit before the final whistle.
How Did Hunslet ARLFC Claim the Premier Division Championship?
As detailed in local match reports, Hunslet ARLFC produced an outstanding masterclass in wet-weather tactics to shut out West Hull 14–0. Facing the regular-season league leaders, Hunslet established complete control early in the contest by scoring all 14 points in the opening half.
Caelum Jordan, Harry Shackleton, and Jack McShane each scored first-half tries to put Hunslet firmly in command. Shackleton added a successful goal conversion, while McShane was named man of the match for his controlling performance from hooker in challenging conditions.
Hunslet’s defensive resilience in the second half prevented West Hull from mounting a comeback, securing the Premier Division crown.
Photographer Stephen Gaunt of Touchlinepics braved the severe rainstorm to document the action across both deciders, capturing a 24-picture showcase of the day’s highlights.
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Background of the National League Finals Development
The National League play-offs represent the pinnacle of amateur and community rugby league in the region, bringing together the top-performing clubs across multiple divisions. Staging the finals day at the venue of Super League champions Wakefield Trinity provides community players with the opportunity to perform on a professional stage.
East Leeds’ victory marks their third consecutive promotion, reflecting a sustained rise through the division ranks over recent seasons.
Conversely, Oulton Raiders reached the Division One final following a season where they initially faced relegation uncertainty, only retaining their place in the division after another club withdrew ahead of the campaign kickoff. Meanwhile, Hunslet ARLFC’s shutout of West Hull unseated the division’s top-seeded team, capping off a competitive season for Leeds-based rugby league clubs.
Prediction: How This Development Affects Community Rugby League and Local Clubs
This double championship success is expected to significantly influence the grassroots rugby league landscape in Leeds and the surrounding Yorkshire region in several distinct ways:
- Increased Recruitment and Player Retention: Success on a major stage at Wakefield Trinity will likely boost youth enrollment and senior player retention for Hunslet ARLFC and East Leeds heading into the upcoming season.
- Higher Competitive Standards in Division One: East Leeds’ third consecutive promotion moves them into the Premier Division, setting up high-profile local derby fixtures against established top-tier teams like Hunslet ARLFC.
- Financial and Operational Momentum for Oulton Raiders: Despite their final loss, reaching the decider after a late inclusion in the division provides Oulton Raiders with structural stability and a strong platform for sponsorship engagement.
- Enhanced Profile for Grassroots Venues and Events: Utilizing professional stadiums for amateur finals days is anticipated to continue, driving larger spectator attendance and raising the commercial profile of community rugby league competitions across the country.
