Dewsbury high school celebrates yet more girls' rugby league success
A girls’ rugby league team at the same Dewsbury high school where a higher year group became national champions is celebrating its own “fantastic achievement.”
St John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy’s Year 10 girls’ side were crowned Yorkshire Cup winners following an impressive 34-24 victory over Liberty Academy from Hull in May.
The victory followed on from the Oxford Road school’s Year 11 girls’ team who were crowned national champions in April.
The triumph for the Year 10 team was particularly significant as they had never previously beaten their opponents, making the achievement even more memorable.
St John Fisher made a strong start to the match, opening the scoring early and setting the pace. However, Liberty Academy responded with a determined spell of pressure as both teams traded scores throughout an exciting and competitive contest.
Emmie O played a key role from the tee, successfully converting all but one try.
In the closing stages, the St John Fisher side showed tremendous composure and confidence, pulling away to secure a deserved victory and lift the Yorkshire Cup title.
Several Year 9 students also stepped up to support the squad, making valuable contributions to the team’s success and demonstrating the strength and depth within the school’s rugby programme.
Grace S captained the team superbly and was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance and leadership on the field.
Teacher Ms Thompstone said: “As a school we are immensely proud of the determination and resilience that the Year 10 team displayed.
“Next step - the National Finals in July!”
A school spokesperson added: “We are incredibly proud of the team and their fantastic achievement in representing both the academy and the local community so positively.
“This latest success continues a proud tradition for girls’ rugby at St John Fisher, with the Year 10 squad following in the footsteps of the current Year 11 team, who were crowned Yorkshire Cup Champions before going on to become National Champions.
“The achievement highlights the strength of the academy’s rugby programme and the inspiring pathway being created for younger players within the school.”