New River was a hive of Rugby League activity over the past few days, with both the year 10 and year 11 Champion Schools tournaments taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.

The year 10 competition saw Woodside High, Park View Academy, Aylward Academy, and Highgate Wood School all battle it out to be crowned North London Champions.  There were some brilliant contests throughout the tournament, notably the first game between Aylward and Park View, which finished 10 – 8 to Aylward.  The size and brute strength of Woodside was clear to see, however Highgate Wood played some terrific rugby throughout, scoring possibly the try of the tournament against Aylward.  Highgate Wood were deserved winners on the day, and now go on to play against the winners of the Herts competiton for the right to play in  the London Finals!

On Thursday it was the turn of the year 11 schools.  This competition would be a straight final between Aywlard Academy and Woodside High School.  The game got off to a ferocious pace with both teams putting in some big tackles.  After the smoke had settled from the early encounters it was Woodside who to the ascendancy and ran in 28 unanswered points in the first half.  The second half was a much closer affair, with Aylward scoring early from some very strong running up the middle of the park.  Woodside struggled to convert some good field position and it looked like Aylward would get back into the game.  However an interception from inside the Woodside half turned the tables and finished off the Aylward players.  The final score was 40 – 4 to Woodside High.