Mills making impression in both codes
IT has been quite a week for young starlet David Mills who, at just 15 years old, made two memorable debuts across both codes of rugby.
The multi-talented Littleborough forward first made his Warrington Wolves rugby league academy debut against Newcastle Thunder last Wednesday before going onto make his Lancashire Rugby Union debut against arch rivals Yorkshire the very next Sunday.
Despite Yorkshire taking the victory at Aldwinians Rufc, David put in a nerveless performance at eight alongside two of his Wardle High school mates Lewis Crossley-Cummins and Travis Gideon. By featuring in the game, David became the 10th Littleborough youngster to play in county colours this season.
He followed up this incredible week with another terrific performance for Warrington against Bradford as they romped to a 36-14 victory. Playing alongside another Littleborough Rugby star in Charlie Sutcliffe, the two close mates look very comfortable in their new surroundings and are building on fabulous foundations built in junior rugby at both Littleborough Rugby League and Union clubs.
Charlie and David have been involved in the Under 16 Scholarship Academy programme since September to July, which includes twice weekly training sessions at Warrington’s base at the University of Chester campus. The coaching is led by ex-club forward Gary Chambers. The young lads have at least six more playing opportunities against other professional clubs schemes to sustain and demonstrate their talents.
David said: “I just love playing rugby, be it league or union.”
Several members of his family have excelled at the sport. His great uncle is Stephen Hesford, who many regard as a legend at Warrington. The full back spent 10 years at the Lancashire based club from 1975-85 and currently still holds the club record at Warrington for most goals scored (1,112). He was also the club record point scorer before he was surpassed by Lee Briers in 2011.
David has some way to go if he wants to replicate his great uncle’s successes in the sport – but this week is as a good start as he could have ever wished for.