This month saw the Leeds and Hunslet Schools RL Cup Finals take place at the South Leeds Stadium, with the best high school Rugby League teams coming together to battle it out for the trophies.
Schools’ Rugby League in Leeds has a long and proud history, with competitions having been played for 120 years. The Goldthorpe Cup was first presented in 1904 and is thought to be the oldest trophy still being competed for in the school game. Recent years have seen a growth in the regional and national competitions, alongside the introduction of plate competitions and nine-a-side-festivals. However, Leeds and Hunslet schools’ rugby league is proud that the tradition of the city-wide knock-out competitions is still being maintained.
As always, the standards of Rugby League shown across the three games were outstanding, with some great skills and teamwork on show.
The fixtures which took place were as follows:
Year 7 – Cockburn vs Brigshaw
Year 9 – Leeds West Academy vs Brigshaw
Year 11 – Brigshaw vs Farnley Academy
Battling it out for the Gilston Cup in the first fixture of the evening were Cockburn and Brigshaw Year 7s. It was a hard-fought contest between the teams with Cockburn taking an 8-0 lead. Brigshaw soon brought it back however, taking the score to 8-6 at half time. In the end, nothing could separate the two and the game finished 16-16. In the case of a draw, it was agreed that both teams would share the trophy to celebrate the effort and teamwork displayed by both sets of players.
Playing for the Lee Trophy were the Year 9s from Leeds West Academy and Brigshaw. At half time it was Brigshaw who lead 14-6 with just 25 minutes remaining. Leeds West Academy put on a great performance, but it was Brigshaw who took the win with 24 points to 16 at the final whistle.
The final game of the evening saw Year 11s from Brigshaw taking on Farnley Academy for the Wilson Cup. In this thrilling final, it was Farnley Academy who dominated throughout, leading by 24-0 at half time. This performance continued into the second half, leading them to their 48-0 win.
Extra recognition was given to those who performed exceptionally well in their fixtures, showing great teamwork and skill on the field. The Player of The Match awards were chosen by the Leeds Players’ Association and were awarded to the following pupils:
Year 7 – Rob Burrow Award – Ted Teale
Year 9 – David Ward Award – Seth Marchant
Year 11 – John Holmes Award – Freddie Butler
The Finals were once again a huge success, with Leeds Rhinos Foundation doing their part to put on a great evening befitting of these historic honours which were well attended and complemented by all the schools who took part.
We would like to say a huge well done to all the players, teams and coaches involved and a special thank you to all the staff and spectators for their support.
For more information about the Leeds & Hunslet Schools Cup competitions, please click HERE to visit their official website.
Click HERE to view the full photo gallery.
