Rainford High’s Year 7 girls’ rugby team recently competed in The inspiresport Champion Schools Finals at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield.
The team faced St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College, Bradford, in a thrilling 11-a-side game. The Rainford High students demonstrated incredible skill and determination throughout the game.
Despite an early setback, where they conceded three tries in the first 10 minutes and were 18-0 down, they showed remarkable resilience. They matched their opponents try for try in the remaining 30 minutes, with the final score of 38-20 reflecting a hard-fought match.
Special mention goes to Kate O’Keeffe, the team captain, who scored two tries and two goals. Alongside her, Layla Hitchen also delivered an impressive performance with two tries.
Kate’s exceptional efforts earned her the Player of the Match award, a rare honour for a player from the non-winning team, highlighting her outstanding leadership and skill on the field.
Incredibly, only three girls on the team had prior rugby experience before joining Rainford High last September. Since becoming part of Rainford’s girls’ rugby team, nine girls have taken the initiative to join local rugby teams outside of school, demonstrating the growth and passion for the sport within the student community.
Player of the Match, Kate said: “It was an incredible experience to play in the final, and I’m so proud of how everyone performed. We faced some tough challenges early on, but we didn’t give up. Being named Player of the Match means a lot, especially because it reflects the hard work of the whole team. I believe we’ve shown what we’re capable of, and I’m excited for the future of our team.”
Principal of Rainford High, Mr Ian Young, commented: “Reaching The inspiresport Champion Schools Finals is an extraordinary achievement for our Year 7 girls’ rugby team. Their remarkable progress from having little prior experience to performing at this level showcases their commitment and hard work.
“A special thank you to our brilliant PE department for supporting them on this journey.”
