Whitehaven’s St Benedict’s School U15 Boys’ rugby squad have been crowned county champions.
The team played their final against Energy Coast UTC at Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground on May 5 and came away with a 24-8 win.
The game with UTC started very tightly. Both teams were testing each other out and seeing out their sets, with good defensive efforts and minimal risk taken in the opening exchanges.
This changed when St Benedict’s began moving the ball across the pitch and increased the pace of their attacking play.
They scored three times inside the first half the secure a comfortable lead at the half way stage. The tries were shared out including a full length effort from hooker Kolbi Joyce, which was the pick of the tries.
The second half began and St Benedict’s, who were now settled really began to exert their dominance upfront and across the whole backline too.
They dominated possession and made the opposition pay with some lovely, well worked team tries to run out 24-8 victors.
Tony Harrison, PE teacher at St Benedict’s, said: “It was nice to see the boys express their talents and showcase the skills they possess in a county final.
“They really turned up and treated the crowd who turned up to support them with some nice moments to cheer.”
“The big hope for these lads is that they can really switch on into their final year next year and have a go at the national competition. Well done boys on another solid victory!”
Full squad: Jamie Graham (captain), Max Robson, Layton Irvine, Matthew Nutt, Ethan Lock, Ollie Mattinson, Noah Doran, Riley Portman, Kolbi Joyce, Joe Okundaye, Rudy McLuckie, Dainan Allen, Kylan Bennett, Lucas Beattie, Evan Tinnion and Rhys McGonagle
