The North West Emerging Schools Cup got underway this month as schools from developing areas competed against each other for the chance to be crowned North West Emerging Schools champions.
The 9-a-side rugby league competition provided students with limited experience in the sport with the opportunity to participate against other schools with similar credentials.
Local qualifiers from areas such as Knowsley, Liverpool, Manchester, Fylde, Bolton, Bury, Sefton, Rochdale and Tameside competed in each of the regional festivals at four age groups; Year Seven to Ten. The top two schools progressed through to the North West Emerging Schools Cup Final at their respective age groups.
The Year Seven festival saw two new comers to the competition, St Peter’s (Manchester) and Westhoughton (Bolton) qualify for the Emerging Schools Final. Each of the schools produced some wonderful performances to ward off the ambitions of the other eight schools all vying for a finals spot.
Higher Side School from Knowsley will face Sefton based Range High School in an all Merseyside clash in the Year Eight final. Both schools progressed from a difficult pool with The Albion (Salford) narrowly missing out.
A tense Year Nine festival concluded with Matthew Moss (Rochdale) and De La Salle (Liverpool) qualifying for the Emerging Schools Final. Each school remained unbeaten on the day, with De La Salle looking particularly impressive by defeating early favourites Hodgson High School (Fylde) to secure their place in the final.
Siddal Moor Sports College from Rochdale will go into the Year Ten Emerging Schools Final as favourites after some solid performances at the qualifying festival. However, Lostock Hall Community School (South Ribble) will be looking to upset the form book after qualifying for their first final in the competition.
Matt Birkett, the RFL’s, North West Regional Development Officer commented: "The RFL is committed to providing competitive opportunities for young people across the country. As part of the National Competition Framework, the North West region piloted this 9 aside boy’s competition during the 2007/08 academic year.
Last year’s inaugural competition was such a huge success that the cup will now form an integral part of the Rugby League competition framework in the North West region.
I would like to thank everyone who assisted with the organisation and delivery of this year’s festivals, and wish all the schools competing in the Emerging Schools Cup Finals the very best of luck."
North West Emerging Schools Cup Finals 2008 Wednesday 11th June @ Chorley Panthers ARLFC
Year 7 (KO 1pm)
St Peter’s High School (Manchester) vs Westhoughton High School (Bolton)
Year 8 (KO 2pm)
Higher Side School (Knowsley) vs Range High School (Sefton)
Year 9 (KO 3pm)
Matthew Moss High School (Rochdale) vs De La Salle High School (Liverpool)
Year 10 (KO 4pm)
Siddal Moor Sports College (Rochdale) vs Lostock Hall High School (South Ribble)
For further information about Rugby League Development in the North West, please contact Matt Birkett, North West Regional Development Officer on 01925 494626 or email matt.birkett@rfl.uk.com