Teams from Shuttleworth College and Unity College made their debuts at the Manchester 7s Emerging Schools Rugby Union Festival at Broughton Park Rugby Club.

Shuttleworth travelled with a squad of 13 players for the Year Seven/Eight event on the back of only two practice sessions, as rugby is developed in the school with the support of Community Rugby coaches (CRG) Simon Finnan and Matt Crowley.

Playing a total of six matches, against most opposition a year older, they managed to score a few tries and draw one game, came away with credit for· their school and serious potential to develop.

Unity, with a slightly more experienced squad, played a total of five matches, drawing their first against West Derby, losing to Sale and beating Ormskirk.

And they went out on a high, as they also beat Prestwick of Manchester and local rivals Shuttleworth.

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 19th March 2013