Rugby Hat-trick Hopes

Young rugby players are hoping to convert a hat-trick of cup final appearances into three pieces of silverware this weekend.

Boys from Ripon Grammar School have qualified in all three Yorkshire Cup finals at U18, U16 and U14 levels, a feat the school has only achieved once before.

Last year the U15s won the trophy and captain Ted Wainwright is hoping his U16 squad can retain the title against The Crossley Heath School, from Halifax, on Saturday.

The team reached the final by beating Wickersley School, Rotherham, Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley, and Ermysteds Grammar School, Skipton, in a nail-biting finish under floodlights at Skipton RUFC.

"We conceded a last minute try but managed to keep the ball alive and chipped away at them until we scored and took the conversion in overtime," explained PE teacher Mr Milner.

The U18 squad, led by captain Jack Newby, will be seeking to avenge their 29-14 defeat last year when they meet Crossley Heath again in their second consecutive Yorkshire Cup final.

They beat Brighouse High School, Wath Comprehensive, from Rotherham, and local rivals Harrogate Grammar School 10-3 in the semi-final en route to the final, coached by teachers Mr Margerison and MrMiller.

The U14 team are making their debut in the final having beaten Hayfield School, of Doncaster, Ermysteds, Wickersley and Harrogate Grammar in earlier rounds, captained by Oscar Lees.

Their opponents, The King's School, Pontefract, have won the cup at U12 and U13 for the last two years.

"They will be very tough to beat because they are a good and experienced side, but our boys will give it their best shot," said Mr Milner, who coaches the U14s.

He added: "All our teams are facing tough opposition but we are pleased to be competing at a consistently high level and it's a fantastic achievement to have three squads at finals day for the second year in a row.

"Having three squads there playing at different times means each team will have amazing support from the others, which should be a huge encouragement to all the boys."

All the matches are taking place at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, on March 18.