Last week, the best high school rugby teams in Leeds came together to battle it out in the Leeds & Hunslet Schools Cup Finals at the John Charles Centre for Sport.
The finals night has rounded off another exceptional year of 13 a-side school tournaments in Leeds, with every player putting on a great performance in front of their teachers and supporters.
Hosted by the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the Finals night are always a key date in the school calendar, with students and their teachers preparing in hopes of lifting the silverware steeped in history. Once again, the night was a huge success, with everyone attending doing their bit to put on a great evening, befitting of these historic honours which were well attended and complemented by all the schools who took part.
The fixtures which took place over the course of the evening were as follows:
Year 8 – Cockburn vs Allerton Grange
Year 10 – Crawshaw vs Allerton Grange
First up, battling it out for the Goldthorpe Cup in the Year 8 Final were Cockburn and Allerton Grange. The Goldthorpe Cup was first presented in 1904 and is thought to be the oldest trophy to still be competed for in the school game. It is named after the family – legendary in the history of the Hunslet Club. This including rugby “superstar”, Albert Goldthorpe, who later captained Hunslet to all four of their trophies in 1907-8.
At half time it was a close call, with Allerton Grange leading over Cockburn 16 points to 10. Cockburn still put on a great performance in the second half, but it wasn’t quite enough, with Allerton taking the win with a final score of 32-18 in the Year 8 Final.
As we headed into the second game of the evening, Allerton Grange had the chance to take home the double across the two year groups. They faced Crawshaw Academy for the Harrison Shield. This shield is named after Thomas Vernon Harrison, the first Chairman of the Leeds Schools’ Rugby Association in 1902.
It was Crawshaw who dominated throughout the game, heading into half time leading 32 points to 4. This continued into the second half, leading them to their 42-24 win. Although Allerton Grange didn’t secure both trophies, they came back stronger in the second half, with some great skill and teamwork on show.
Full Time Results
Year 8 – Allerton Grange 32 – 18 Cockburn
Year 10 – Crawshaw Academy 42 – 24 Allerton Grange
Extra recognition was given to those who performed exceptionally well in their fixtures. The Player of The Match awards were chosen by the Leeds Players’ Association and were awarded to the following pupils:
Year 8 – Ken Eyre Award – Billy Naylor
Year 10 – David Heron Award – Woody Potter
We would like to say a huge well done to all the players, teams and coaches involved and a special thank you for the support received from the Hunslet Club and Foundation, The Leeds Players’ Association, The Leeds Schools’ Sports Association, staff and those who came to watch.
We are honoured to continue the organisation of a competition that has such a long and proud history and look forward to seeing what the high schools around Leeds have to offer next year!
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 from the evening.