Year 8 Boys dominate the Yorkshire Rugby Union Finals but finish second
Year 8 Boys dominate the Yorkshire Rugby Union Finals but finish second place after a strong, skilful performance.
Having only missed out on the East Yorkshire Trophy by one late try; the year 8 boys were invited to take on the best schools in Yorkshire, representing both Hull and the Academy at West Park Leeds RUFC.
Despite vaunting just 1 defeat in 4 games; the team were aggrieved knowing Leon Stewart who has scored 10 tries in his previous 4 outings for the Union tyros had called in sick! In face of the disappointing news the boys stepped up and adapted to new positions and new plays, especially Sam “more dummies than mother-care” McAuley who played both scrum half and fly half; controlling the game well and picking out gaps for the dangerous duo Tom Wilkinson and Ali Alsheriafe to exploit in the centre of the field.
Josh Harper and Macaulay Flynn were also extremely impressive both new players to the sport, Josh Harper scored his first ever try for the Academy during the 35-0 demolition of Titus Salt (an independent school who boasted 2 external Rugby Coaches).
The highlight of the day came after Ali Alsheriafe collected a wonderful kick over the backs of the unsuspecting opposition, only to place the ball down 10 meters out from the try-line unchallenged! The debacle concluded with a celebration as if he had just scored the try!…Ali was immediately substituted after this incident.
Match results:
1. (W) Sirius Academy West 20 – 15 BBG Academy (Bradford)
2. (W) Sirius Academy West 35 – 0 Titus Salt (Baildon)
3. (L) Sirius Academy West 10 – 20 Guiseley (Leeds)
4. (D) Sirius Academy 5 – 5 Prince Henry’s Grammar (Otley)
The tournament concluded with two wins a draw and a loss for the boys who played extremely well in very warm conditions to do both Hull and the Academy proud. The RFU will be sending runners up certificates which will be presented in assembly next week. Please congratulate the following students for their superb effort:
Ali Alsheriafe (9x tries), Tom Wilkinson capt. (2x tries), Josh Harper (1x try) Connor Foster (1x try & man of the tournament) Leon Dalee (1x Try) Ben Harlington, Keiran Simpson, Isaak Worrel, Charlie Dobson, Lewis Wilson, Alex Dunne, Lewis Walker, Ali Hussein Ali, Sam McAuley, Macauley Flynn.
Finally, a big thank you to Glen Bilton for driving us to Leeds and supporting the lads, considering we didn’t get back to the Academy until 7:45pm shows the level of commitment some staff have for extra-curricular activities week after week!
The year 8’s now return to play their more familiar code of rugby, but hopefully they learned a thing or two about being tougher in the tackle after playing rugby union for the past few weeks!