Yorkshire schools once again triumphed in the annual War of the Roses girl’s rugby competition this year organised by Leeds Rhinos Foundation and the Wigan Warriors Foundation.
The event, which sees the best schools in Leeds compete with their counterparts in Lancashire, saw Leeds schools Corpus Christi (Year 7 and 9) and David Young Community Academy (Year 8) complete a 2-1 series win over Deanery High School, St Peter’s and Holy Name to retain the War of the Roses for the second year running.
Running since 2012 the War of the Roses competition this year saw Women and Girl’s Development Officer for Leeds Rhinos Foundation Lois Forsell and the teams from Leeds welcomed by Wigan Warriors Foundation Community Engagement officer Tommy Gallagher for the event staged in Lancashire.
Following a 2-1 series win in 2016, the Yorkshire schools were boosted by a convincing 48-0 victory for Corpus Christi against Holy Name in the year 9 fixture to settle the series after the series was left at 1-1 after the opening two fixtures.
David Young Community Academy were narrowly beaten by St Peter’s 36-28 in the year 8 fixture and Corpus Christi’s Year 7 team had edged out Deanery High School with a golden point win after a 32-32 normal time draw in the first fixture of the day.
Lois Forsell commented:
“I'm really proud of the Leeds schools once again picking up the series win on the road. There were some tight games against the best schools from Wigan again this year so to come away with the win is really pleasing for us.
“Corpus year 9 showed what a good side they are and how far they have come over the last two years to win by that margin so credit to them but it was encouraging to see their year 7 team show the determination to win a very close encounter as well.”
The series next year will Wigan schools cross the Pennines to play in Leeds hosted once again by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation which Lois Forsell is already looking forward to:
“We’d once again like to thank Wigan Warriors Foundation for inviting us over, it’s great to continue this fantastic concept and we look forward to welcoming Wigan’s schools to Yorkshire next year!”