Harrogate Grammar School‘s boys’ first team has been crowned under-18s national rugby union champions.
The team beat St Peter’s High School, Gloucestershire 31-20 to win the Continental Tyres Schools Bowl at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium in London. A total of 125 schools entered.
It was the first time in the school’s recent history that the under-18s reached a national final.
Coached by former Scotland International Tom Ryder, director of sport at the school and Stuart Vincent, former captain of Ilkley RFC, six of the team the team have represented Yorkshire Academy this season.
Mr Ryder said:
“This was a fantastic performance from the boys, they’ve worked very hard all year so I’m really pleased for them that it was such a great game.
Try time for HGS
Captained by Matthew Leatham, who plays for Yorkshire Academy under-18 team and vice-captained by Sam Parsons-Bastiman, who was selected for the North of England under-18 squad, the team scored five tries in the final, which was live-streamed on England Rugby’s YouTube channel.
Matthew said:
“The squad would like to thank Mr Ryder and Mr Vincent for their coaching, mentoring and encouragement throughout the season; not forgetting Michelle Farnhill, our strength and conditioning coach, who helped us keep the intensity throughout the game.
“The players would also like to thank all the travelling supporters, it certainly made a difference hearing the singing, drumming and trumpet playing.”
Kicking for glory
Harrogate Grammar’s sixth form sports academy is only in its second year, with 30 boys currently in the rugby programme.
This, along with twice-weekly gym sessions and weekly fixtures, has cultivated a more professional approach to school sport.
Evading a tackle
Headteacher Neil Renton said:
“This is an outstanding achievement to be very proud of and a reflection of their dedication, commitment and unity as a team. We are delighted to be crowned national champions.
“The academy is a unique asset to our school, championing success in netball and rugby, and we want to continue attracting students from across the county to our sixth form.”
Photographs by Leo Wilkinson Photography