The Road to Headingley for Leeds schools
Schools rugby league in Leeds has gone from strength to strength this year, with the help of the Leeds Rhinos Community Development coaches. Several Leeds schools have progressed well in the national Carnegie Champion Schools competition and although not making the finals, they have done enough to suggest that the Leeds schools are fast reaching the standards required to perform at this level.
As a result of the good work being done in Leeds Schools, the Leeds Rhinos have been keen to support and have allowed the Headingley pitch to be used for the Year 7 and Year 11 Leeds & Hunslet Schools' Challenge Cup Finals. These will take place on Monday 21st April with the Year 7 game kicking off at 5.30pm and the Year 11 game at 6.30pm.
Year 7 Final: John Smeaton v Temple Moor
It has been an encouraging first year together for the John Smeaton Year 7 boys. They have remained unbeaten in all matches in Leeds including friendlies, cup matches and at rallies. In fact the only game they lost was by a narrow margin against Normanton Freeston High in the national Champion Schools competition.
The final against Temple Moor looks set to be a classic. It has all the ingredients of a typical derby clash with the added spice of having team-mates at club level pitting their wits against each other at school level.
Smeaton have reached the final following wins against Cardinal Heenan (36-8), Woodkirk (30-10) and Bruntcliffe (20-10).
Temple Moor defeated Allerton Grange 54-4, Rodillian 32-26 and Boston Spa 24-4 on their "road to Headingley".
Whatever the outcome, all the boys have progressed well this season and are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to emulate their Super League heroes when they run out onto the Headingley pitch at 5.30pm on Monday 21st April.
Year 11 Final: Rodillian v Woodkirk
Both teams were involved in terrific semi finals with the results only being decided in the closing minutes. Rodillian managed a 35-20 away win over Lawnswood to reach the final and Woodkirk squeezed out a determined John Smeaton side 18-6.
The final looks set to be a tough encounter and both teams are thoroughly excited at the prospect of playing at the famous Headingley Stadium.
The other finals are to take place at Stanningley with the Year 8 and Year 9 Finals taking place on Monday 28th April (KO 5:50 & 6:30).
The Year 8 Final will be contested by Rodillian and Temple Moor, both of whom remained unbeaten to finish top of their respective mini leagues.
The Year 9 Final, between John Smeaton and Woodkirk, sees the two sides meet for the first time since Woodkirk narrowly won in extra time in the semi final when the sides met as Year 7s. Woodkirk have reached the final following victories against Priesthorpe (24-22) and Boston Spa 24-0. John Smeaton have been much improved this year and have put in some strong performance to beat David Young 46-20, Allerton Grange 52-0 and the much fancied Lawnswood 30-10. This could be the pick of the finals.
The Year 10 Final is yet to be determined. Lawnswood are the first team to reach the final stage, having finished top of their mini league with a 100% win record. The second finalist will either be Morley or Bruntcliffe.
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Leeds Carnegie – National One Champions 2006-07
Next Up: Leeds Carnegie v London Wasps, KO 3:00Pm Saturday 10th May 2008.
Leeds Rhinos – engage Super League Champions 2007, Club of the Year 2007 and Best Supported Club 2007
Next Up: Leeds Rhinos v Celtic Crusaders,
Carnegie Challenge Cup 4th Round. KO 8:00PM Friday 18th April 2008.
Buy tickets on 08700 60 60 50 or at www.leedsrugby.com