BURY Broncos start their North West Men’s League Division Five campaign on Saturday with a home match against Crosfields.

It will be a big occasion at Philips High School (kick off 2.30pm) with 85 per cent of community rugby league now switching to playing their games in summer after 117 years of playing in winter.

The Broncos have been preparing for the switch to summer rugby and secretary Ryan Lewis hailed the move.

“The club has always aimed to be welcoming and progressive,” he said. “The opportunity to switch to summer was one we are taking with a great deal of excitement.”

The weekend sees all three Broncos sides playing at home for the first time in the new season with the junior sides playing on Sunday at 10am.

According to junior coach Chris Seymour the switch to summer enabled the club to launch two new sides for youngsters as well as increasing the number of adult players.

“Summer conditions allow kids to enjoy themselves and learn their skills without being cold and wet,” said Seymour.“The kids have been enjoying it so far and any primary school child is welcome to come down and try the game with us.”