Cowley's Sixth Form Team, Cowley Saints went all of the 2021/2022 National College League unbeaten!
When Mr Evans (former Cowley PE teacher) retired from coaching senior rugby at the end of last season he left some pretty big shoes to fill and an impressive record in his wake, would his legacy live on under new head coach Mr Llewellyn?
When the fixtures were released, Cowley were drawn against some pretty tough opposition in the likes of Runshaw college, Cronton college and most notably, a derby with Wigan and Leigh college. Reputation and local pride meant that Cowley couldn’t afford to let their guard down or for the new intake of Year 12 students to allow the nerves and pressure to show.
The season opener saw Cowley at home to Cronton College where they ran out clear winners, beating the opposition 52-6. This set the pace for a formidable unbeaten season, convincingly overturning all opposition, both home and away and reaching the quarter finals of the National College League cup.
The squad proved to be a good mix of players from both the up and coming and eager Year 12 students and the calm experience of the year 13’s. Notable year 12 players to mention were Nathanial Sakyi for his strong and determined presence on the pitch and Charlie Swift for his fearless driving of the ball and ferocious tackling. Special mention also goes to Kyle Cook, who, after consistently impressive performances, has been scouted to the St Helens Academy system.
The year 13’s, in their final season, have led by example with Head boy Malama Fa’asavalu channelling his dad’s super league prowess and demonstrating his innate rugby knowledge and understanding.
The seasons finale was played out at home against a strong Salford Red Devils side who fielded a number of players in their setup. The game was tense in parts, a few decisions not going the way of the home side but, as the tries kept coming it was clear that the salford boys were no match for the resilient Cowley side and they brought the curtain down on a fantastic year with a 28-18 victory, lifting the league cup in front of friends and family.
Mr Llewellyn was full of praise for his enigmatic team and the amazing season they have had.
“All credit goes to the team who’ve been fantastic all year. It’s not easy to juggle the required commitment to your studies and also devote a massive amount of time to the senior rugby team, so I am grateful for all their hard work. I am delighted for all of the players but in particular the Year 13’s, some of whom have been playing for this college since year 7. There is surely no better way to bow out of your school playing days than with an undefeated season as champions. You have done me and yourselves proud and I wish all departing lads the best of luck in their continued playing career.”
Saints Community Development Foundation would like to give a massive congratulations to the Cowley Saints squad, alongside all coaching staff and volunteers at both Cowley and SCDF.
Craig Richards, Saints Coaching Systems and Education Manager mentioned:
“It’s an absolute pleasure to support Mr Llewellyn and this fantastic group of young men , they turn up each week with a work hard mentality and a smile on their faces, this results in a great free flowing brand of Rugby league that is hard to beat.”
See match photographs from their last fixture below by @PlattyPhoto
