CROSFIELDS are setting sights on playing a higher standard of amateur rugby league and have appointed experienced Tony Benson as head coach to help them achieve their goal.

New Zealander Benson has coached in various roles in his home country and at all levels of the professional game in the UK, including Leigh Centurions, Oldham Roughyeds, London Skolars and most recently Oxford.

“It is Tony’s experience, proven leadership and management skills that we see as key to developing the players and the club,” said Soap chairman Mike Donnison.

“We are one of the biggest clubs in the UK, and are the current RFL Community Club of the Year, but we should be competing at a higher level within the Kingstone Press National Conference League.

“With Tony’s guidance, we are confident that we can achieve that.”

Benson, a former Junior Kiwis coach, is eager to get stuck in.

“It was great to understand what Crosfields is all about, what makes it great and what needs to improve," he said.

“Needless to say I am impressed and loved the feel of the place, which is important to me.

“I’m glad to be on board and see it as a privilege to be coaching at such a historic, proud and soundly established club, and look forward to seeing what we can achieve in 2015.”

Crosfields kick off the new season on Saturday, March 14, visiting Division Three newcomers Thornhill Trojans.

Benson started out in charge of New Zealand's Hibiscus Coast Raiders in 2001 and moved to Britain in 2005.