Treble still in sight

A TERRIFIC treble remains on the cards for Saddleworth School’s Year Nine rugby league team.

A gritty 38-28 away-day win at St Edmunds and Arrowsmith of Wigan has sent the side into the last four of the North-West Carnegie Champion Schools tournament once again.

Inspired by captain Ben White, who directed affairs and scored two tries and five goals, Saddleworth are aiming to pick up the prestigious regional title for a third successive season.

But in order to stay on course this year, the team was forced to work hard, as coach Gary Melling pointed out:

“In my opinion, this was the lads’ best win in the three years that they have been at Saddleworth School,” he said. “The opposition were a talented and fast-improving side.”

Hooker Ryan Maneely and centre Chris Bolton scored a brace of tries each with Jake Ragan also touching down to get in on the act.

Despite being six points down at half-time, the Wigan outfit would not lie down and clawed their way back into the game on several occasions in sniffing an upset.

It was only when White produced a moment of magic to collect his own chip over the defence and run in for his second of the day that the home side’s will was broken.

Saddleworth now face the winners of the Cowley-Standish quarter-final at home as they attempt another assault on the final, to be held again at Robin Park, Wigan.