Woodhouse Grove School, based in Apperley Bridge, Leeds is well known for its proud sporting heritage but this year’s U18 1^st XV rugby team has made history as the first Grove XV side to make it to the Plate Final of the prestigious Natwest Schools’ Cup.

In the first round of the Plate competition, Woodhouse Grove played Dame Allan’s School, achieving a resounding 50 points to nil victory. This took them to the Quarter Finals where they faced Uppingham, traditionally a very strong rugby school, away in Leicestershire. This was a tough encounter but, despite some early nerves, Grovian grit and determination led to the Woodhouse Grove boys coming out on top, winning 22-7.  The Semi Final saw the Grove playing St. Peter’s, Gloucester at home in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Woodhouse Grove hit the ground running and scored early but an interception try by the opposition made it 14-5 at half time. Playing into the wind in the second half, Woodhouse Grove controlled the ball well, picked up the intensity and scored some superb tries. As the team’s confidence grew, so did the roar of the crowd and the Grove raced to victory with a final score of 43-5, taking them straight to the Natwest Schools’ Cup Plate Final!

The Final will take place at Sixways Stadium, Worcester on Tuesday 13^th March when Woodhouse Grove will take on Trinity School, Croydon.

Woodhouse Grove School 1^st Team Rugby Coach, Joe Bedford (former England Counties and Newport Gwent Dragons) said:

The U18s have worked hard, both as individuals and as a team, and thoroughly deserve their success. The whole school is tremendously proud of them for progressing so far in a National competition. We look forward to the Final on Tuesday and seeing our boys demonstrate just what it means to say “I am Grovian”.