A LONG-RUNNING internal wrangle involving a top North West amateur Rugby League club appears set to continue following a court hearing.

It had been hoped that the hearing at Liverpool County Court would resolve the dispute between players and members of Widnes St Marie's club and the management committee.

But after barrister David Dennis, acting on behalf of the 29 expelled members, told the judge that documents had not been produced by the other side in accordance with an agreed timetable, the case was adjourned until November 29.

The annual meeting of the Heath Road club was due to take place last Thursday but Judge Ian Trigger ruled that the only resolution that could be put was to adjourn the meeting.

Mr Dennis had told the court that the claimants alleged the defendants - David Webster, club secretary, and three officials - were acting in bad faith by flooding the club with new members to preserve their position on the management committee or to ensure the claimants were kept out.

The defendants dispute this and allege that those expelled last June had been guilty of misconduct.

Judge Trigger ordered the defendants to pay the costs of yesterday's hearing.

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