St Peter’s quadruple success
As Wigan Warriors lifted the betfred challenge cup to become the sixth side in history to hold all four trophies at the same time, a wigan-based school celebrated their own success at Wembley Stadium.
When St Peter’s Catholic High School, situated in Orrell, beat Cardiff’s Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf 26-4 in the Steven Mullaney Memorial Game, they became the first Wigan school since Standish Community High in 2008 to be crowned Year 7 Boys National Champions under the famous arch.
A memorable week for St Peter’s began with captain Harry Brown – son of former Wigan Warriors and England player, Kevin – and Jake Porter – brother of Wigan Warriors Academy forward, Mike – attending press duties at Haydock Park Racecourse ahead of Finals Day, which saw the duo interviewed by Matt Peet before Kaide Ellis took his turn in the hot seat.
St Peter’s ‘Wembley Week’ continued at Robin Park Arena where the squad were invited to train, eat and receive their match shirts before the playing squad were given a whole school send off as they departed for the capital.
Five hours before Zach Eckersley scored the opening try in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, Joseph Dewsnip collected a chip over the top to give St Peter’s the lead in the National Schools Final before Max Dowthwaite crossed minutes later from an almost identical move.
Porter and Brown crossed for fantastic solo tries either side of the break to increase the advantage to 20-0, and despite their opponents reducing the points difference with their sole try, Jake Roberts finished off a delightful team move late on to seal a 26-6 win.
St Peter’s lifted their third piece of silverware from the Royal Box adding to their success in being crowned the inaugural Warriors Cup champions in addition to winning the North West Counties Champions Final against St Edmunds Arrowsmith.
Three days after their triumph at Wembley Stadium, St Peter’s completed the quadruple at Robin Park Arena as they beat Deanery 36-6 to remain unbeaten whilst securing the Wigan and Leigh Champion Schools Title.
Speaking on St Peter’s success, physical education teacher, Mr Ashton said: “We’ve had an extremely successful year across our boys and girls teams as we’ve reached five Wigan and Leigh Finals, five North West Counties Finals and three National Finals. As always we’re super proud of our all pupils and their achievements.”
Sharing his praise, Wigan Warriors Development Officer, Tom Marsh said: “I’ve worked with and seen some of these players attend our Wigan Warriors Community Foundation half-term camps and now to see their progression and success through the school competitions has been amazing.
“When I saw this team play in our Warriors Cup competition at Robin Park Arena I was amazed at how good their skill and athletic ability was despite their young age. The best thing is seeing the players competing with smiles on their faces and I’m sure the players from St Peter’s will go on to achieve great things in their careers.”
Wigan Warriors Community Foundation have revealed details of our Summer Camp which will run across a four-week period at Robin Park Arena from Monday 29 July to Thursday 22 August. Don’t miss out on securing your camp place HERE.
