Title boost for Hopwood Hall

FEELING CHAMPION . . . Hopwood Hall’s team

HOPWOOD Hall’s Rugby Academy team secured the National Colleges Cup in dramatic fashion when they beat Wigan and Leigh at Rochdale Hornets’ Spotland Stadium.

With the game having gone into extra-time as the scores were tied at 34-34 following 80 minutes of breath-taking action, Zac Hartley landed a drop-goal to secure victory on the golden point rule.

The Hopwood Hall team - featuring several players from Oldham clubs St Anne’s and Waterhead - started strongly.

Impressive tries were scored by Mayfield’s Hartley, Waterhead’s Ciaran Dean and Liam Riley, of S Anne’s.

TIED

Wigan & Leigh grew into the game, but responding superbly, Hopwood Hall fought back strongly and the scores were tied at the full-time whistle.

Hartley was the then the hero as he secured the winning point.

Rian Carter-Dean, of At Anne’s, said after the game: “It’s once in a life time, isn’t it?

“It was a tough game, but we stuck it out and played well.”

Matt Calland, Hopwood Hall’s Rugby Academy Manager and coach, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to become the best rugby league College in the country.

“We’re all incredibly proud of the lads on their fantastic achievement.

“It was a great game, and Wigan and Leigh put up a strong performance to ensure it went to the wire.

“We’re looking forward to defending the title next year.”

There are still Hopwood Hall Academy places up for grabs for the course which starts in September. Potential future students can find out more at an open trials day at the college on Wednesday, June 1, starting at noon.