School Profile - Outwood Grange

One of the joys of the competition is that it throws up stories like Outwood Grange, primarily a rugby league school who have made it to the semi-finals at the first attempt by knocking out at least three rugby union heavyweights, QEGS Wakefield, Durham and Bedford.

Talk about the magic of the cup! The school, founded in 1970, is a large comprehensive two miles north of Wakefield and seven miles south of Leeds, which enjoys an enviablereputation and has just been granted Technology Status. It has a strong sporting tradition for both boys and girls but not surprisingly, coming from the rugby league heartland, has been prominent in that code.

They turned to union last season looking for more rugby and decided to enter the Daily Mail Cup after winning the Yorkshire U14 Cup. Captain and No 8 Jack Smith, lock Alex Kaihau, full back Daniel Hodson and prop Ben Barraclough are the only players with union experience outside ofschool, playing for Sandal where coach Paul McIntosh plays for the first team and assistant Steve Smith for the vets. Head of PE Andrew Green completees the coaching team.

Smith Jnr, Jack that is, has made the Yorkshire U15 squad and centre James Endersby, a key player, has represented Yorkshire at both codes.

The team have learned quickly moving through the rounds, improving their union skills but also relying on strong rugby league defence. They have had some excellent wins but none gave them greater satisfaction than a dramatic 10-8 win over QEGS. But just to show that the wall has finally come downbetween the codes, Outwood have been indebted to the staff and players from the QEGS U15 team, who have willingly helped out in their semi-final preparations.

ROUTE TO THE SEMI-FINALS

1st rnd: Penistone GS (h) won 51-0
2nd rndPocklington (h) won 71-7
3rd rnd Prince Henry's, Otley won 41-12
4th rnd:Lymm HS won 22-17
5th rnd QEGS, Wakefield (a) won 10-8
6th rnd Durham (h)won 38-21
qtr-final: Bedford (h) 24-21.