Birkenhead School: Hoping for Twickenham glory

Feb 6 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

FORMER Liverpool St Helens star forwards Steve Gill and Duncan Hendry have every reason to be proud of their team’s achievements at Birkenhead School this season.

Their U15s have gone 15 games undefeated and this afternoon take on Oundle School from Northamptonshire at Noctorum in the quarter finals of the prestigious Daily Mail National Schools Cup Competition just two hurdles from appearing at Twickenham.

If they can fulfil their ambition it would certainly provide a nostalgic visit for Steve Gill who played in the 100th Varsity game as a prop for the Light Blues in 1981 having received his first Blue the previous year.

Understandably, Steve Gill is not being carried away, saying: “We have still got a lot to do. If we can get through to the final it will be a tremendous day out for the lads and everyone associated including our coaches.

“Oundle have a long rugby tradition and they will be arriving undefeated too. It should be quite some game. The School has never reached this stage of the competition before and everyone regards the day as being special – so much so that the Headmaster is cancelling afternoon lessons and we are allowing the senior school students to watch.”

The Merseysiders have had some outstanding wins leading up to the last eight. In the last round they beat a strong RGS Lancaster School 13-7 at home with number 8 Nick Hearn going over for a vital try while eye-catching stand off Josh Pritchard, slotted over a second half drop goal.

In an earlier round their best performance of the season saw them overcome rivals Ellesmere College. Birkenhead are certain to have been well coached by ex-England International John Olver and Old Birkonian Doug Robb who no doubt is delighted to be returning to his old establishment. The game is at Noctorum fields (2.15pm).

Meanwhile, Waterloo U14s staged a second half revival at the weekend beating Vale of Lune in the Lancashire Cup 19-7.

In a repeat of last year’s final, Waterloo began sluggishly and Vale led from a converted try. But, the Merseysiders showed determination after the break with James Hooper scoring a vital try with Jonathan Bonner and winger Connor Wison adding others.

West Park juniors continue to make great progress winning against Sedgley Park at U7, U8 and U9s. Adam Woosey snatched five tries and Jack Holland three helping their sides to fine wins.