Sirius Academy U13 Girls crowned Yorkshire RU Champions!!
Sirius Academy U13 Girls were crowned Yorkshire Rugby Union Champions after topping the group stages and then seeing off a strong Settle team by 5 – 1. This now gives them the opportunity to play at the National Finals at Twickenham on Saturday 3rd May.
Sirius Academy 10 Wetherby 0
Sirius were drawn in a tough league of 5 schools, but started really well, beating Wetherby 10 tries to 0, Kayleigh Waller opened the scoring with her first run and then the girls just grew in confidence in attack and defence, Mia Duke went over for a try as did Ellie Cone and Amelia Longden, before Molly Bigby scored a quick hat-trick, Kaylaigh Waller scored another before Jamie Watson and Victoria Godwin rounded off the scoring. Jess Delph and Danielle Fulton were willing runners and strong in defence in the second half.
Sirius Academy 8 St John Fisher 1
St John Fisher were the next opponents and had started the tournament well, beating last years national finalists in the opening game. But even though it was a tough match, with St John Fisher having some really strong players, Sirius had just too much quality in attack and aggression in defence. Sirius ran in 8 tries in the 14 minute match, Kayleigh Waller scored four, Mia Duke got three and Molly Bigby one. But it was the defence of the Sirius team that really stood out, with Saffron Jones an absolute rock in the middle of the park, taking down anyone that ran at her, no matter what the size. St John Fisher did go in for a late try of their own, but the game was won convincingly by the superb Sirius team.
Sirius Academy 8 HLHS 2
Sirius had another tough test, facing last years national finalists. But again, there was no stopping the Sirius team, who just proved too strong for anyone they came up against. They certainly aren’t the biggest of teams, but they make up for that with enthusiasm, strength and skill. Kayleigh Waller once again opened the scoring with a long range effort, but then the skilful Ellie Cone, who was outstanding through the whole tournament with her clever runs and support play went over for two tries in the corner. Amelia Longden got a well deserved try, after some strong defence to get us the ball back. Kayleigh went over for three more tries before Vicky Godwin showed her speed and strength to go over. HLHS did score two tries of their own, and were a threat with the ball, but again the Sirius scrambling defence worked hard to keep them out for the majority of the game.
Sirius Academy 7 Barnsley 0
In the final game of the group stages they needed to beat Barnsley to come top of the group to get into the final. Captain Mia Duke in the first half was superb and went over for a hat-trick of tries in the first half. Rio Cambell was working hard out wide and nearly got over for a try of her own. Other tries came from Amelia Longden and Vicky Godwin, before the final try of the game by Emily Andrew, who deserved that after playing really well in all league games. Barnsley had no reply as the Sirius defence was like a brick wall.
YORKSHIRE FINAL
Sirius Academy 5 Settle 1
Sirius knew that if they won this one they would be not only crowned Yorkshire Champions but also get the chance to goto Twickenham for the national Finals. The game started really tense, with both teams making mistakes in the early stages as the nerves got the better of them. Both defences stood strong and was hard to break down, a couple of last ditch tackles on their own line gave Sirius some confidence, and Molly Bigby was the one to break the deadlock, with a fine individual full length try. As the nerves settled, it was Mia Duke who stepped her way through the defence and showed a clean pair of heals as she raced over to double the lead. Settle would not give up and managed to get over for a try to get back into the game. But just before halftime Amelia Longden powered her way over. Georgia Wardell scored a great try to cap off a really good tournament for her before the try of the match ended the game, some great passing down the line, and the final draw and pass to Ellie Cone saw her seal the game, as the final whistle went and Sirius celebrated!
Please congratulate the squad on their performance, success and attitude – Twickenham here we come on Saturday 3rd May!
Mia Duke, Kayleigh Waller, Amelia Longden, Rio Cambell, Georgia Wardell, Saffron Jones, Ellie Cone, Molly Bigby, Jess Delph, Victoria Godwin, Danielle Fulton, Jamie Watson, Emily Andrew
Me and Sarah Murphy-Corish cannot explain how proud we are of the girls today, they are an absolute credit to the Academy, they are a very special group of girls!
