St Peter's Emerge Victorious
St Peter’s Victorious
St Peter’s of Manchester overcame a spirited Byrchall team from Wigan to claim the title of Year 8 North West Emerging Schools Winners 2013, Whilst Cowley of St Helens beat Byrchall in the Year 10 Final.
Through continued rain throughout the afternoon, St Peter’s played with great skill and ability to finish with an unbeaten record after the group stages which they maintained through to the final. Cowley had a similar route though only just scrapped the semi-final with two last minute tries to come from behind to beat Wright Robinson of Manchester 8 – 4.
The Emerging Festival saw a total of 17 teams from across the North West compete in a round robin format against teams just starting out in Rugby League.
Peter Brooke, Education Officer for the RFL commented, “Tournaments such as these provide a great stepping stone for those schools just starting out playing Rugby League to compete with those of similar ability.”
“We were also very fortunate to be supported by Wigan Warriors who gave each team the opportunity for a one on one coaching session with the players teaching them a variety of skills and assisting with game play scenarios.
“I’m sure each school will be able to take away a great experience of Rugby League and push on within their local areas and ultimately progress to the National Champion Schools competition in the future.”
The festival also saw three Match Officials from South Africa officiating and assisting in the running of the event whilst on their visit for the Festival of World Cups.
Hendrik Von Wielligh, Warren Pretorius and AJ Barnard are all in the UK learning about the game to be able to take back and further develop the sport in South Africa.
Hendrik commented, “Coming on tours to the UK, attending and supporting events such as these is a great learning experience for us.”
“We can see the variety of ways of developing the game and our match officials to hopefully achieve the same levels of success seen in the UK.”
Andy Connaughton, Salford City Reds Foundation Schools Development Officer, who is part of the St Peters coaching team said, “It’s a fantastic achievement for the school and all the staff involved. I know everyone has been working hard for the boys to achieve this, and it’s great recognition for the boys, the staff and the school and I know Jim Dixon (St Peter’s Assistant Head) will be particularly proud of the boys and their success today. I would like to pass on our thanks and congratulations to all those involved today, particularly the organisers who made it such a great event.”
For more information on SCRFoundation school activity and youth tournaments, please contact Andrew Connaughton at the club offices on 0161 820 2739 or follow us on Twitter @SCRFoundation