Rhinos Challenge 2015 got underway today for 70 clubs and over 3000 total players and spectators enjoying the first day of tournament action at Butlins, Skegness.
All age groups from under 8s to 14s played out their group stage fixtures on day one of the weekend tournament, with some early pace setters in all age groups maintaining a 100% record in some closely fought match ups.
In the oldest age group on show in the under 14s, West Hull and Oldham St Anne’s have won all three of their opening games and top their respective groups with Kippax Welfare, Waterhead, Skirlaugh Bulls and Oulton Raiders all keeping close tabs on their group leaders on 7 points from their 3 opening games.
The under 13s age group, incorporating seven teams in a straight round robin, is over half-way through after day one, with all teams playing four of their six fixtures. Dewsbury Moor, Mayfield Mustangs and Fryston Warriors make up the top three sides and have made strides to take home the winner’s trophy on Sunday, with Dewsbury Moor staying unbeaten after the opening day.
In the under 12s tournament, West Bowling and Skirlaugh Bulls are joint top of the group of five teams on eleven points after the first day of fixtures. Each team play each other twice in a straight league shootout in the under 12s category, leaving everything to play for on the second day.
The under 11s category comprising of two groups of six teams, eventually splitting off into a cup, shield and bowl competitions, has also got off to an exciting start. In Group 1, Dewsbury Moor, Thatto Heath and Sussex Merlins have all made a good start and sit atop the group. The Brighton-based Merlins have been one of the early success stories of the day, playing in their first Rhinos Challenge, winning and drawing two of their opening four games.
Elsewhere in Group 2, Milford Marlins have stormed to four wins from four to take a commanding lead followed by Waterhead Warriors and East Hull on nine and 8 points respectively.
The under 10s group West Hull and Milford Marlins have started started strongly in group one, staying unbeaten after four games with Rylands Sharks and Birstall Victoria following suit in group two by staying unbeaten and leading the group on nine points.
The under 9s age group forms one of the biggest categories this year with 16 teams playing out three groups to qualify for Cup, Shield, Bowl and Plate competitions on the final day.
After the first day of action, group one sees Clock Face Minors from St Helens and West Bowling in a commanding position at the top of the standings, with Blackbook Royals and Milford Marlins first and second in group two and East Leeds, Hull Wyke and Thornhill Trojans in the top three positions in group 3.
The youngest age group this year the under 8s, has seen six teams go head to head, securing places for cup, shield and plate competitions. Clock Face Minors have again proven to be on form leading the group, followed up by Birstall Victoria ‘A’ and Rylands Sharks.
For up to date results and fixtures from this weekend visit – http://www.esfscorecentre.co.uk/brands/all
The tournament run and operated by ESF Events in partnership with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and hosted by Butlins in Skegness is now in its third year and bigger than ever, having grown in size since its inception in 2012 and selling out just months after opening up for registration in November for 70 teams and over 3000 people staying at the resort as part of the Tour Experience.
For more information on the Rhinos Challenge and how to get involved in 2016 visit.
http://rhinoschallenge.co.uk/