Ian is relishing his big day out

IAN SCOTT . . . all set for his trip to London this weekend.

RUGBY LEAGUE: LONDON is calling Moorside rugby league match official Ian Scott.

The teenager is one of only seven youngsters chosen to officiate at the Carnegie Champion Schools National Finals and is set for a big day out at Wembley on Saturday.

Ian (17) has made rapid progress on the local rugby league scene since joining the Oldham Referees’ Society three years ago.

On Friday, the seven officials will referee a game in the London area, with the best performer selected to take charge of the Challenge Cup final curtain-raiser 24 hours later.

Ian has been handed St Peters and Paul versus Castleford High in the Year-10 boys’ national final.

Even if he isn’t chosen for the top job, Ian will still be given a role – possibly as touch judge – for the Year Seven boys’ final between Dowdales and Temple Moor at Wembley, which precedes the big game between Warrington and Leeds.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted just to be going along and to have come this far.

“I have been to Wembley to watch rugby, but not as an official so it will be a tremendous experience.

“I can’t wait to get to London and give it my best shot on Friday.

“I have been refereeing for three years now, and have officiated eight major finals within the youth game, including the North-West Counties under-15s cup final earlier this year.

Ian is far from the only representative of the Oldham Society set to take to the field on Saturday.

Tony Martin and Robert Hicks will operate as touch judges for the sell-out final, while Ian Smith is the video referee.