Wakefield School Rugby League Team Continues Winning Tradition
A rugby league team from a secondary school in Wakefield has won the prestigious Rugby Football League national school championships.
The year 11 boys team from Outwood Grange Academy beat the year 11 boys team from Oldham-based Saddleworth School, 30-16 in the final at Post Office Road Stadium, the home of the 2018 Rugby League Championship Shield winners, Featherstone Rovers.
The win marked the end of a fantastic run for the team, which included a huge semi-final win over Malet Lambert, a secondary school based in Hull.
Ryan Cutten, head of PE at Outwood Grange Academy and the team’s coach, said: “I am beyond proud of the entire team. They have worked so hard, and shown great dedication and determination to achieve this. It is fantastic that their five-year journey together ends with them as the national schools champions.”
The game was the third of the day to take place at Post Office Road as part of ‘Finals Day.’
The day saw the College Final between Furness Raiders and Wigan Warriors Education Academy, with Furness Raiders coming out on top. Before the year 11 Girls Final, where Castleford Academy got the better of Astley High.
All the games were streamed live by the Rugby Football League on Our League as the governing body highlighted the very best schools rugby league had to offer.
Spectators of the games were treated to some fantastic displays, including a brilliant try by Outwood number 11, Luke Camplin, who held off five Saddleworth players and dragged them over the line to make the score 28-16 to Outwood. Luke was later named man of the match for his dominant display.
Brian Kelly, Principal at Outwood Grange Academy, said: “The entire school is delighted with the year 11 boys win, following on from the success of the current y11 girls team who won their academic year’s competition last season and the season before.
“At Outwood Grange we believe that a good education means supporting all students through all aspects of their lives, including sport, and working with them to ensure they reach their full potential.”
On their way to the final, the team from Outwood Grange beat last year’s finalist Wade Deacon, Westlakes and Malet Lambert. Saddleworth beat Ulverston, Garforth and Brooksbank.