Two Burnley schools, Shuttleworth and Unity, entered the Manchester Sevens Emerging Schools' Rugby Union Festival for Year 7 and 8s earlier this month at Broughton Park Rugby Club.

Shuttleworth travelled with a squad of 13 players on the back of only two practices, as rugby is developed in the school with the support of community rugby coaches Simon Finnan and Matt Crowley.

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

Some strong tackles were made by Steven Gallagher, Harrison Yeoman scored good tries, and Charlie Salisbury, Jack Irvine and Ben Metcalfe all made strong runs.
The Shuttleworth team are pictured.

Back Row, from left, Jonathan Lyle, Morgan Crowther, James Berry, Sean Charnley, Jack Halstead, Jack Irvine;

Front Row, Harrison Yeoman, Steven Gallagher, Jake Vallender, Leo Hough, Charlie Salisbury Taylor, Ben Metcalfe, Joseph Drea.

Unity, with a squad of 12 and slightly more experienced than Shuttleworth – but still developing rugby union through teacher Mr Williams - played a total of five matches.

They drew their first game against West Derby, losing to Sale with a Year 7 side, and beating Ormskirk.

In the final group stages, the young team also beat Prestwich of Manchester and Shuttleworth.

Reece Bonney (two tries), Cameron Leech, Bradley Wilks (two tries), Macaulay Thorley, Rowan Greenwood
(one try) were but a few names that contributed to an excellent team and day out.

Burnley Express 22nd March 2013