London Skolars Community Coach Graeme Spencer reports on the latest Champion Schools instalement:

“The third instalment of the North London Carnegie Champion Schools took place at New River yesterday, the 16th November, with the year 9 teams battling it out for the right to represent North London in the regional finals.”

“Highgate Wood, Park View Academy (pictured above), Aylward Academy, and Woodside High School were all in attendance for what would turn out to be the best Champion Schools tournament this year.  The first game was a close encounter, with Park View edging out Highgate Wood 10 – 6.  Woodside High School also got off to a winning start when they beat Aylward Academy 12 – 0.  Park View and Woodside then played in the closest game of the tournament with only a conversion separating them, 6 – 4, in favour of the Park View players. ”

“Highgate Wood had a chance to get a win under their belts when they faced Aylward, and Highgate played some great Rugby League moving the ball across the park to score some terrific tries.  The game finished 16 – 4 to Highgate Wood, but Aylward put up a real fight in the dying seconds of the match making Highgate work hard for every point.  Park View’s last game of the tournament was against the Aylward team, and Park View knew a win would secure the title as North London champions.  The final score in that game was 18 – 4 to Park View, meaning that they would go on to represent North London in the Regional Playoffs. ”

“The final game of the tournament was arguably the best one,  Highgate Wood took on Woodside High in a thrilling encounter.  Both teams showed some class running rugby, but defence was the difference.  Highgate Wood defended back to back sets on their line, and went on to score a decisive try and taking home the spoils 10 – 4.”