We are proud to say that the Astley Year 11 girls rugby league team are once again through to the Champion Schools National Final, where they will face last year’s opponents Castleford Academy on Wednesday 1 May at Post Office Road in Featherstone.
The girls competed at the Champion Schools National Festival in Leigh on Tuesday 19 March, with the aim of becoming the first team to reach back to back national finals. Astley secured their place in the final by beating St Peters from Manchester in a tense semi-final.
The girls achieved a record in the festival - played 6, won 5, lost 1.
Congratulations to the team and Mr Carbutt.
Mr Carbutt, PE Teacher said: "This is another amazing achievement from a wonderful group of young sports women. The commitment and desire from the girls was second to none, and to withstand 18 tackles on our own try line in the semi-final only goes to highlight this. This group of girls can now rightly be called the greatest sports team in Astley High School history. To make it to back to back national finals is a very special thing. I have so much belief in the girls and if we can correct a few things from last year, I see no reason why we cannot put Castleford under some serious pressure and get the result this group deserve. I asked the girls in the build up to not let last year’s defeat affect how they played and I asked them to be brave enough to get to another national final and try again. The girls rose to the challenge of everything that was thrown at them. It really is a pleasure to be their coach - well done girls!"
Mr Barnes, Executive Headteacher, Seaton Valley Federation commented: "I am delighted for both the team and Mr Carbutt. To reach the final two years running is a super achievement. I am immensely proud of all of them and I wish them all the very best for the final."
Mr Scott, Head of School, ACHS said: "Another fantastic effort from the girls to reach the National Final once again. It takes a great team to bounce back from last year's disappointment, but the girls have shown the character and determination to give themselves another shot at the major prize. We wish you all the best in the final and hopefully you can achieve what you all deserve. Proud as always..."
Champion Schools National Festival 19 March 2019 Results - Year 11 Girls