A major event on the Leeds high school rugby league calendar took place last week, as Leeds Rhinos Foundation hosted the Sky Try 9s playoffs at Brigshaw High School.
The playoffs saw 31 teams from across Years 7, 8 and 9 put on a fantastic spectacle, capping off another great year of high school rugby league in the city. This year’s Sky Try 9s competition has seen more than 650 pupils from 25 different schools take part across the three age groups.
After two qualifying rounds for each year group prior to the playoffs at Brigshaw High School, results were collated to split schools into the two tiers, giving each school something to play for on the day.
As well as deciding the winners of the Sky Try Cup competition, the playoffs also determined the finalists for the Sky Try Champions finals, which take place at Stanningley ARLFC’s Arthur Miller Stadium on Wednesday 22nd May.
Players also enjoyed the chance to meet Leeds Rhinos first team players Callum McLelland and Corey Johnson, who were on hand to present the winners of the Sky Try Cup competition with their medals and trophies. Lawnswood School were crowned Year 7 winners, whilst Mount St Mary’s Catholic High School triumphed in both the Year 8 and Year 9 competitions, a repeat of their 2017 success.
In the Sky Try Champions section, Farnley Academy successfully qualified for both the Year 7 and Year 9 boys finals, where they will face Temple Moor High School and The Rodillian Academy respectively. Meanwhile, the Year 8 final will see Temple Learning Academy take on playoff hosts Brighshaw High School.
Ian Hardman, Head of High School Rugby at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “Our Sky Try 9s competition has been a huge success this year and festivals have been well attended by high schools from all 4 corners of Leeds. Nines rugby league is a great concept, as it provides emerging schools and new players an opportunity to try the sport, whilst also giving established schools and players a chance to transfer their skills in a different format.
“The playoffs showcased the strength and depth of high school rugby league in Leeds and I am sure the finals night on May 22nd will provide a fitting end to our Boys’ high school rugby league calendar.”
Entry to the Sky Try Champions finals is free of charge. Please contact ian.hardman@leedsrhinosfoundation.org for more information.
Winners and finalists:
Sky Try Champions Finals (22 May)
Y7 – Temple Moor High School v Farnley Academy
Y8 – Temple Learning Academy v Brigshaw High School
Y9 – The Rodillian Academy v Farnley Academy
Sky Try Cup Winners
Y7 – Lawnswood School
Y8 – Mount St Mary’s
Y9 – Mount St Mary’s