Competing against fifteen other schools as part of a highly competitive 9-a-side competition, the team demonstrated resilience and impressive sportsmanship throughout all of their games.

A 26-18 victory over Beckfoot Thornton (Bradford) proved to be a good opener for the first of three morning matches. This was followed by 14-14 draw with Standish Community High and culminated with a convincing 26-6 win against Doncaster’s Don Valley Academy to place Withernsea at the top of their group.

The afternoon brought tough opposition. A closely fought match against Wakefield’s Crofton Academy saw Withernsea take an early 6-4 lead thanks to a try from Oliver L, but Crofton rallied late to secure a 10-6 win. Despite this setback, the team were still eyeing a second-place finish as they entered their final match against eventual winners Ryburn Valley High (Sowerby Bridge). Despite tackling this final fixture with strength and determination, Withernsea unfortunately lost 8-0.   

Owen Mountain, Teacher of Sport, said: “Back in May, our Year 7 rugby team secured their place in the northern finals of the ‘Inspired by 9s’ tournament by winning all three games in the competition’s first round without conceding a single try.

“Representing the East Riding and finishing third out of fifteen schools is an amazing achievement, especially when you factor in that Withernsea High was one of only three participating schools with less than 1,000 students on roll.

“The day saw some of our players, who are just starting their rugby journey, experience a different format while enjoying an opportunity to play with more experienced players. We hope their success in this tournament, and their continued enthusiasm for rugby, will inspire them to join one of our community clubs in the not too distant future.”

‘Inspired by 9s’ is a Rugby League offer for schools in the secondary sector. It sits on both the School Games and Schools Rugby League competition structures to create playing opportunities for Key Stage 3 students who don’t play Rugby League regularly, or who are new to the game.  

The competition gives players the opportunity to play 9-a-side Rugby League at local level festivals, delivered by school games organisers and Rugby League foundations, under the School Games competition format.

The winners from each local festival are invited by the Rugby Football League (RFL) to take part in the ‘Inspired by 9s’ finals events, held in both the north and south of England. These provide an opportunity for students to represent their areas in a central RFL competition, with tiered progressions throughout the event.

The ultimate aim of the competition is to encourage those who have enjoyed taking part to pursue further opportunities in their own communities.

Well done to: Oliver L, Kane B, Freddie H, Anthony L, Craig L, Jensen H, Corey O, Harry S, Louie S, Denis R, Dylan T and Oliver H.

Player of the day: Louie S 

Please find attached photos of the boys at the ground and them with the league leaders shield and the Grand Final trophy.