Year 8 Girls through to Yorkshire Finals as top seed in Hull after beating Archbishop Sentamu
Sirius Academy West 12 Archbishop Sentamu 9
Only two schools turned up to the Year 8 Girls tournament, so it ended up in a 40 minute game between Archbishop Sentamu and Sirius Academy West to see who would go through to the Yorkshire Finals in March as the top seed.
Sirius Academy West showed how dangerous they would be in attack when the impressive Ruby Ellis broke through their defensive line with ease to go over for an early try. Archbishop Sentamu were a big strong side, but this did not bother the Sirius West side as they showed real toughness and good technique to tackle players much bigger than themselves. The game was played at a quick pace with both teams looking after the ball well with very few errors which was pleasing to see. In an evenly matched game it was Sirius West who managed to keep themselves a few tries up at all times, the experience of Ruby Ellis, Sienna Longley and Ruby Bennett was there for all to see as they lead some of the more inexperienced players and the 4 year 7’s around the field well. Sienna Longleys tackling was outstanding throughout as she prevented the Archbishop Sentamu girls from going over on many occasions. Year 7 Emily Last was superb from the acting half back position with no errors in her passing and choosing to scoot at the right times.
Ruby Ellis was too strong for the Archbishop side and managed to score 6 tries, but it wasn’t just her power that caught the eye, it was her offloads too to make space for the smaller faster players, like Ruby Bennett, who managed to score herself a hat-trick of tries. Year 7s Brooke Williamson and Melody Teal also got on the scoresheet with a well deserved try each. The fast pace and footwork of Year 7 Keisha Allett caused Archbishop Sentamu all sorts of problems as she continued to make good yards forward in attack. Honey Williams and Bromwyn Leake grew in confidence as the game progressed with good tackles and runs forward. But player of the match went to Sienna Longley who was an absolute rock in defence, and also managed to score herself a fine solo try as she raced over 50 meters at a very crucial point in the game. The scoreline finished 12 tries to 9 in favour of the Sirius side, but it was the teamwork, commitment and effort that was the key to the Sirius sides success, they worked so hard for each other and did not take a backwards step in attack or defence and they should be extremely proud of themselves.
Please congratulate the following girls on not only making to the Yorkshire stages as the top seed in Hull, but for their outstanding performance, attitude and desire:-
Ruby Ellis, Ruby Bennett, Bromwyn Leake, Sienna Longley, Honey Williams, Emily Last, Keisha Alett, Brooke Williamson and Melody Teal.
Special thanks to Miss Barton for her support with the team.
Also a massive thank you to Lucy Stewart from Year 10 who assists with the coaching and mentoring of the Year 7 and 8 Girls rugby teams.