PARKSIDE School’s year 11 rugby team crowned off a successful campaign by winning the White Rose Rugby Festival finals.

The Cullingworth boys faced the top schools in West and North Yorkshire after qualifying by winning both of their previous festivals.

Coach Dave Needham said: "The matches were 10-a-side on full pitches, testing students’ physical endurance as well as their skills.

“Parkside secured a 20-17 victory over a tough physical Settle College side. Josh Slingsby was outstanding on the wing, with Reggie Hurd and Scott Thornton dominant in the middle securing good quick ball for the pacey backs.

“Their final game was against Upper Wharfedale, who they have lost to in the same position last year. With no subs, Parkside set out with real aggression.

“Nico Mori and Ethan Lawrie were fundamental in the side’s success in the first half, scoring and creating a try which was an outstanding example of fast free-flowing rugby. Callum Munro, playing up and age group, was a constant threat in the halves.”

With the score at 17-10 to Parkside, the final two minutes of the game featured an “outstanding” defence from the Cullingworth team.

Mr Needham added: “This was a fitting end to the year 11s’ rugby time at Parkside. Having started our rugby revolution, students have been a credit to the school and role models to the younger players."