Rockets’ squad will face final Challenge
A NEW name is set to feature in the Yorkshire Junior and Youth League Under-16 Challenge Cup Final when Cramlington Rockets take on Skirlaugh Bulls on Saturday.
It is the latest achievement of the Northumberland-based Rockets who this season have entered a team in the competition for the first time.
As well as completing the treble in an unbeaten domestic campaign in 2017, the teenage team has more than a dozen players in the Newcastle Thunder Academy – several of them gaining international honours in the last 12 months.
Despite plenty of early starts to travel to away games from England’s northernmost county, the team has more than held its own in the Under-16 Premier Division, taking some notable scalps and also reaching the quarter-finals of the BARLA Cup.
Currently sitting third in the league, Cramlington were drawn against league leaders Kippax Welfare in the Challenge Cup semifinal.
The match was a classic cup game between two excellent sides but, despite a tense final 10 minutes, it was the Rockets who emerged victorious - winning 22-14 to set up the showdown against Skirlaugh.
Coach Jordan Robinson said: “Everyone did really well and it is amazing to reach the final.
“The whole team has worked hard all year, and it is going to be a great opportunity for us to show what the players from the North East can do.
“Full credit to Kippax Welfare. They are an excellent side and did so well considering they travelled up here with a small squad.
“It will be a great occasion on Saturday and we are looking forward to making the trip to Featherstone.
“We are expecting a really tough match but will look to do the North East proud.”
Kick-off on Saturday at the LD Nutrition Stadium, Featherstone, is at noon and a bus for players and supporters will be running.
CRAMLINGTON Rockets are the current RFL Community Club of the Year and are looking for new players of all ages. Visit www.cramlingtonrockets.co.uk for more details.