Leeds Rugby Foundation hosted the Leeds & Hunslet Schools Plate Finals at the Leeds Rugby Academy Training Facilities in Kirkstall due to the continued support from Leeds City College. Four exciting finals were played over the course of one evening.
Year 7 John Smeaton High School played against Brigshaw High School. John Smeaton were too strong for Brigshaw and dominated from the kick off and became clear winners with a 60-4 victory. John Smeaton try scorers were Sam Thompson, Jake Turpin, Ryan Robertson, Harry Tran, Oliver Schofield, Kobie McManner, Karl Hay’Hepworth and a brace of trys from Jake Hooks. Brigshaw scored their only try through Lois McCollon.
Year 8 Lawnswood High School played against Garforth Academy which became the game of the evening. Lawnswood became out right winners after the lead changed hands a number of times resulting in a final score of 14-12. Aaron Chapman, Lee Peacock and George Srisawang all scored trys for Lawnswood. Jack Anderson, James Barraclough and Tom Hall scored trys for Garforth. The difference between the two teams were created by a kick from Aaron Chapman.
Year 9 Lawnswood High School played against Cardinal Heenan the final score was 38-6 in Lawnswoods favour. Lawnswood’s trys came from Aarbab Hussain, a brace of trys from Nathan Ashby and Saad Farooqi. Jordan Abrahamson had a game to remember by scoring a hatrick. Nathan Ashby kicked two goals and Jordan Abrahamson kicked a goal too.
Year 10 Lawnswood also played against Cardinal Heenan. Lawnswood also won this game with a strong performance with 68-0 victory. Lawnswood try scorers came from Kyle Corbett, George Parsons, Daniel Dawson and Sam Williamson. Captain David Dixon, Elliot Watmough, Matthew Reynolds all scored a brace of trys. Kieron Roche younger brother of Leeds Rhinos Academy star Colton Roche scored a memorable hatrick. David Dixon, Elliot Watmough, Sam Williamson all kicked goals which benefited this one sided game.
Jonny Wainhouse, Leeds Rhinos Community Manager, commented on the evening, “The continued support from Leeds City College has helped the Leeds Rugby Foundation to build a strong relationship with Leeds & Hunslet Schools. The opportunities for schools to participate in rugby league in Leeds is now immense which is so pleasing. The Rugby League programmes in Leeds schools now supports the pathway for young players to progress to the next level.”