Macclesfield sport Kings LIGT County Title

29 Nov 2021 10:22
Published by: Scott Callan

The never say die King's under-16 rugby team lifted the county championship with a spirited fight back against arch-rivals St. Ambrose College.

The Macc' lads were 10 - 0 down to the Altrincham school but weathered the storm leaving King's Head of Rugby Giles Hetherington full of admiration as they were crowned Cheshire champions with a 14 - 10 victory.

"Most teams would have given up, but not this team, which is brimming with talent and commitment to succeed."

It was the first major title King's has lifted since the lockdowns and marked a return to truly competitive schools' sports.

Playmaker and Sale Sharks Academy prospect; Ollie Davies took the plaudits scoring two tries and adding four points from the tee.

However, he was well supported by a devastating defensive display with impressive tackles from centres Koby Wilkinson and Toby Wilson. In the forward pack, Freddie Griffiths and Evan Williams both having already represented the 1st XV this season, put in several barn-storming runs, while back-rower Christian Tattum provided some very important turnovers at the breakdown and was a thorn in the Ambrose side all evening.

King's made lightwork of Cheshire rivals Altrincham GS and Wirral GS, defeating both by 50-point margins on their route to the final, which was hosted by Macclesfield Rugby Club, where most of the side also play their club rugby.

Head Coach; Mr Matt Thorp, a 1st XV Macclesfield RUFC player and Business Teacher byday, has worked with the side for six years and deserves much credit for building such an organised, committed and talented squad.

The Under 16s remain undefeated this season and rank as one of the best sides in the country, having despatched Stonyhurst College, Lancaster RGS and QEGS, Wakefield amongst others, but still face stern tests ahead with visits to Sedbergh School and Leeds GS, a fixture list unrivalled across the North-West.

Giles Hetherington added: "I am excited for the future of King's Rugby as much of this side will make up the 1st XV next season and will travel to New Zealand and Hong Kong in 2023."

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