West Bowling have appointed Richard Heseltine as their head coach for the forthcoming season.

Heseltine steps up to one of the top posts in the National Conference flagship competition after previous experience with Bradford Bulls, Birkenshaw and Clayton.

He is a former Pennine League coach of the year and takes up the reins at pre-season training at Emsleys Rec on June 21.

West's promising teenage talent Michael Derricks won the player of the year award at the recent end-of-term dinner at the Grattan Stadium, Odsal.

Old campaigner Lee Hutchinson, a key prop forward, was named the second team's outstanding performer.