ALMOST 30 students from Parkside School covered themselves in glory on their first rugby union tour, The 28 Year Eight and Year Nine students set off for the Lake District last Friday morning, playing in a seven-team tournament at Keswick that afternoon.

The encounters were physical but the Year Nine squad beat Whitehaven Academy, showing power and flair, while the Year Eights, despite being a year young, defeated St Joseph's from Workington.

Ethan Lawrie and Josh Slingsby were stand-out players for the Year Nines, while Aaron Green, Harris Rowlett and Morgan Murzali were outstanding for the Year Eights.

After a busy day was rounded off by some ten-pin bowling, the squad, despite being battered from their rugby, were up early from their Borrowdale base to face Cockermouth School.

The Cullingworth school struggled in the early exchanges but then found form to score 17 unanswered points in the second half.

Lucas Ryan capped off an excellent display with two tries, while Lawrie was immense in defence and attack, backed up by NIco Mori and Jack McHugh.

The students capped off a wonderful tour with a three-hour paintball marathon, with the four senior staff ending up covered in bruises after being up against 28 students!

Parkside's head teacher Andy Taylor, who went on the tour, said: " This was a fantastic trip that recognised the hard work of students and staff in developing rugby union here at Parkside.

"Education is not just about students' development academically but about an holistic approach that produces well-rounded role models for the future. Clearly the students from Parkside are making huge strides in this area, and long may it continue."

Rugby coach Dave Needham said: "The students played some excellent rugby on both days. Despite the high standard, both teams played some of their best rugby of the year and deserved their wins on the Friday."

Club-school coach Steve Welch added: "I really did enjoy the time away. The atmosphere was great and the organisation was very tight but spot on. The lads are a credit to Parkside."