It wasn’t just Leigh Centurions and Halifax who made the headlines in Blackpool last weekend, two schools were in the seaside town showcasing the strength of schools Rugby League.

Sir Thomas Boteler High, Warrington and Walkden High, Salford, clashed in the Northern Rail Emerging Schools Final and played out a great game which saw St Thomas Boteler emerge 26-4 winners.

The Warrington school’s victory in the year 10 event came thanks to tries from Billy Ashurst (2), Ryan Hickey (2), Sam Clarke and Danny Rasool, plus a goal from Matthew Wilcocks.

The sides took part in the North East Emerging Schools festival in May, progressing though the group stages and winning their respective semi finals to earn their place at the Bloomfield Road showpiece.

“It was a fantastic day for the school,” said Andy Wood, Sir Thomas Boteler’s coach.

“I’m so proud of the team what the players have achieved after showing so much promise.”

“The fact they also represented the school so well off the field was also a credit to them.”

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Robbie Hunter-Paul who came to the school earlier in the week and brought the Northern Rail cup along, the visit certainly helped in the build up to the game and made the experience a special one for all the boys.”

The winning school received their medals and trophy from Sky Sports Mike “Stevo” Stephenson and the victory now means that they’ll take part in next year’s Carnegie Champion Schools competition.