As the National stages of Champion Schools looms, the final game to be held at New River was arguably the best one of the round as North London representatives Christ College Finchley faced Kings Langley School from Hertfordshire.

The pitch was in surprisingly good condition given the horrendous weather that we have endured at New River in the past few weeks. This, coupled with both teams pace out wide and willingness to move the ball, ensured that we had an intriguing encounter on our hands.

The Kings Langley boys certainly had the upper hand in the opening quarter, controlling the ball better and focusing their attack around the ruck, enabling them to cross for three quick fire tries and putting them in complete control. A powerful try from 5 yards out on the half-time whistle gave the Christ College boys a glimmer of hope and it was they who started the second half the quickest, using their big runners in the backline to cross for another 2 sensational length of the field tries.

However Kings Langley recovered and again exerted their control over the game, and managed to make the game safe with 2 nicely worked tries after a few penalties for some over eager defence from Christ College.

All in all it was a great game of rugby league, Kings Langley deserving the win however  and if it wasn’t for Christ College’s outstanding defensive performance then the game would have been done and dusted by half –time. After the game Skolars Community Coach, Matt Cuss, handed out invites to the star performers from the Finchley side and we look forward to welcoming them to their first Junior session of the season on Saturday morning at New River Stadium.