Schools Cup Finals

The first finals day, held at the Totally Wicked Stadium, saw Rainford High School battle it out with Cowley International College for the Year 7 Paul Wellens Trophy.

The game saw both teams trade tries throughout with the honours being even at the final whistle 16-16.

As we moved into golden point extra time there were three unsuccessful drop goal attempts with Zac Gardner unluckily hitting the upright with a long-range effort.

But eventually, the stalemate was broken with a smart kick to the corner which saw Rainford score an excellent try to seal the win.

Rainford’s half-back George Whitby was picked as the man of the match.

The second final of the afternoon was the Year 11 Alex Murphy Trophy between Haydock High School and St Augustine’s – and it proved to be just as entertaining as the first.

St Augustine’s edged a 22-20 win right at the death, with Haydock seeing a last second touchline conversion fall agonisingly wide.

‘Guzzies’ Matty Knowles was identified by Saints legend Alex Murphy as the Year 11 man of the match.

Elsewhere, Blackbrook ARLFC kindly hosted the Chris Arkwright Trophy between Haydock High School and St Cuthbert’s.

The early stages of the match were really tight and there was nothing between the two teams but as the game wore on in the sweltering temperatures, St Cuthbert’s took control of the game to claim the win.

Chris Arkwright selected Mackenzie Buckley as his man of the match but he was closely followed by Keane Gilford.

Saints Community Development Foundation coach, Ian Talbot, commented: “On behalf of the club and the Foundation, I’d like to thank all of our High School partners for ensuring that the St Helens Schools competitions continue to thrive and culminate with such great events.

“We really appreciate the support shown to us from Mike Rush and everyone at Saints for allowing us the opportunity to play some of our finals at the Totally Wicked Stadium as it makes them a really special occasion for the lads involved and always one to remember.

“Special thanks also to Blackbrook ARLFC for their continued support as always.

“As ever, these occasions can’t go ahead without the officials, so I’d like to thank Phil Smith and Innes Arnold from the St Helens Referees Society and the match officials on the nights, Mackenzie Maddison, George Johnson, Ryan Cox, Tolver Arnold, Shaun Pickering and Stuart Fraser.”

The two remaining finals will both see De La Salle play Cowley International College for the Year 8 Eric Chisnall Trophy and the Year 11 Keiron Cunningham Trophy.

These matches will once again be played at The Totally Wicked Stadium on Monday July 9 with 3.30pm and 5pm kick offs.

Entry is £3 and £2.