St Cuthbert's, High School Rugby League Trophy champions

Victorious St Cuthberts with the Rochdale High Schools Rugby League Trophy alongside Hornets player Dayne Donoghue and Chairman Mark Wynn

St Cuthbert's RC College beat Middleton Technology College in the Rochdale High School Rugby League Trophy final.

A 100 strong crowd at Spotland Stadium witnessed the seasoned St Cuthbert's team take on a raw Middleton team whose players in the majority are new to rugby league this season.

Middleton held the strong Cuthbert's attack out for much of the first half with some great tackling from the forwards keeping the Cuthberts danger men from crossing the line.

However, after a prolonged spell pinned against their own line the gaps began to open in the tiring Middleton defensive line and the Cuthbert's patience came to fruition on the back of some great go forward play from their backs allowing successive tries before the half time hooter.

A plucky Middleton Tech were not discouraged by this  and after a quick water break and re-group came back out onto the pitch with a renewed vigour.

Middleton came tantalisingly close to the Cuthbert's line on a number of occasions, however, the experienced Cuthbert's side took this in their stride holding the opposition out before winning the ball back with some hard hitting defensive skills forcing Middleton into touch, allowing them to take the ball back up the pitch for another try and re-opening the flood gates.

With the game as good as won at 30 points to nil for Cuthbert's, Middleton continued to play with grit crossing the line for their only try of the match but well-earned biggest cheer of the match.

Final Score 36 – 4.