AN ORFORD woman has become the first person from Warrington to take up the position of secretary of the British Amateur Rugby League Association.

Hilary Steel, 67, was elected into the role by members of the association, and is understandably honoured to be given the job.

She said: "I'm certainly proud to get it, because it's a very prestigious position with a lot of responsibility. I will be representing BARLA at many matches and meetings, and I just want to keep everything harmonious and work well with the other leagues and the professional clubs."

The appointment adds to a long list of administrative roles in rugby league for Steel, who was secretary of Rylands ARLFC for 20 years.

She is currently chairman of the North West Counties Amateur Rugby League open age section as well as being chairman, secretary and registrations secretary of the 16 to 18-year-old section.

Steel, who moved to Warrington in 1976 after growing up in Sale, is also secretary of the Warrington Amateur Rugby League, and has previously been recognised for her efforts with the BARLA Secretary of the Year award in 1998/99 and the North West Counties Secretary of the Year prize in 1991/92.AN ORFORD woman has become the first person from Warrington to take up the position of secretary of the British Amateur Rugby League Association.

Hilary Steel, 67, was elected into the role by members of the association, and is understandably honoured to be given the job.

She said: "I'm certainly proud to get it, because it's a very prestigious position with a lot of responsibility. I will be representing BARLA at many matches and meetings, and I just want to keep everything harmonious and work well with the other leagues and the professional clubs."

The appointment adds to a long list of administrative roles in rugby league for Steel, who was secretary of Rylands ARLFC for 20 years.

She is currently chairman of the North West Counties Amateur Rugby League open age section as well as being chairman, secretary and registrations secretary of the 16 to 18-year-old section.

Steel, who moved to Warrington in 1976 after growing up in Sale, is also secretary of the Warrington Amateur Rugby League, and has previously been recognised for her efforts with the BARLA Secretary of the Year award in 1998/99 and the North West Counties Secretary of the Year prize in 1991/92.