SCHOOLS RUGBY LEAGUE

ELLIS REACH LAST 16 IN CHAMPION SCHOOLS COMP

Rugby leagues growth and development in Nottingham was dealt a boost this year by the exploits of Ellis Guilford School and Sports College, Old Basford. The schools has had Merit League hall of Famer and Outlaws Junior Development officer Redhead coaching sessions for the last two years and this year acquired the services of Outlaws star George Strachan who joined as a member of PE staff.

Under the coaching team of Strachan and Director of Sport Sam Roper the Year 10/11 boys (U16s) learnt the basics of the game showing great enthusiasm especially in defence. In early January under the floodlights at Nottingham rugby club the school defeated a strong Bramcote Hills Sports College team 20-0 to be crowned the inaugural Nottinghamshire Rugby League champions.

For their next test Ellis Guilford RL travelled up to Eckington School to play the Derbyshire champions. Despite terrible conditions skipper Daniel Crampton, a talented loose forward, led the team to a 28-0 victory, ensuring entry into the last 16 of the competition as East Midlands champions.

Above: Loose Foward Daniel Crampton with a trademark run from the scrum

With a place in the last 8 at stake the team travelled up to Knottingley in South Yorkshire to play against schools from the North East and West Midlands respectively. In their first game against the North East champions a strong aggressive defence led by Ashley Gleedwood, Nathan Dewhurst and Corryn Ward provided both the big hits and the platform for Ellis’s quick runners to shine. It was only a matter of time before the speed and guile of hooker Sam Britten and fullback Justin Gamba came to the fore, both darting in for superb tries to help Ellis towards a 20-8 win against the North East Champions.

Above: Ellis Guilford dominate the floor

In their second game Ellis Guilford played Arrow Vale-the West Midlands champions. This was a huge test as Arrow Vale were easily the best drilled team the school had played thus far and Ellis were required to play immediately following their previous victory. Inspirational captain Daniel Crampton once again led from the front well supported by forwards Matt Walsh and Eliso Dos Santos who carried the ball up with plenty of aggression. Ellis Guilford’s previously well-organised defence began to tire and they could do little to prevent the West Midlands champions’ first try-a solo effort from 60m out. Ellis raised their game and only desperate defence kept them from scoring. Anthony Pidgeon, a recent convert to the game still only a year 10, showed why he will be such an important player for Ellis next year as he caused Arrow Vale plenty of problems with his aggressive running style regularly leaving would be tackles scattered in his wake. Nathan Gamble also showed up well in what was a bruising encounter using the freedom of playing on the wing to come in and help the forwards out with big hits and carries. Although Ellis fought hard Arrow Vale’s defence was not breached and with light and time fading the West Midland team stole loose ball and scored in the last few minutes ending Ellis Guilford’s historic cup run. Future games are being lined up to satisfy the school’s new found hunger for what many believe is the greatest game.

Above: Current Outlaws U16 star and Ellis Guilford stand-off Aaron Brady makes a break

Mr Roper, Director of Sport commented “This school has a sporting culture which suits a high octane game like rugby league and the boys have really taken to it. They enjoy the collision and the chances they get to show their individual running skills. We’re hoping to follow up our success with our younger age groups where we have many talented athletes. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Junior Development Officer Stew Redhead for his efforts in bringing the game to the next generation of Nottingham rugby league players-he is a credit to the sport. ”

Outlaws’ very own George Strachan added, ‘The lads have a great team spirit and worked hard for each other which has made coaching them a pretty easy task. As far as potential outlaws stars of the future, we have an embarrassment of riches. Players I have seen here at Ellis Guilford, down at our satellite club the Southglade Silverbacks and Outlaws Junior section will be the future of the club and its scary to think how good these players could get. ’

Ellis Guilford under 16s Rugby League Role of Honour

Daniel Crampton (Capt), Sam Britten, Nathan Dewhurst, Justin Gamba, Ashley Gleedwood, Elios Dos Santos, James Allen, Ben Chetwynd, Nathan Gamble, Brett Light,Aaron Brady Matt Walsh, Corryn Ward, Anthony Pidgeon ,Matt Launder, Callum Swinn, Aaron Westwick

Above: Ellis Guilford Year10/11 Rugby League Squad 2008