Rugby: Teenager made two memorable debuts

David Mills with a photo his great uncle Stephen Hesford

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David Mills, 15, who plays for Littleborough Rugby Union, made two memorable debuts across both codes of rugby.

He made his Warrington Wolves rugby league academy debut against Newcastle Thunder on Wednesday before going onto make his Lancashire Rugby Union debut against arch rivals Yorkshire on Sunday.

Despite Yorkshire taking the victory at Aldwinians RUFC, David put in a good performance alongside two of his Wardle High school friends, Lewis Crossley-Cummins and Travis Gideon.

David became the 10th Littleborough youngster to play in county colours this season.

He followed up with a terrific performance for Warrington versus Bradford as they romped to a 36-14 victory.

Playing alongside another Littleborough Rugby player in Charlie Sutcliffe, the two close friends look very comfortable in their new surroundings and are building on the foundations in junior rugby at both Littleborough Rugby League and Union clubs.

Charlie and David have been involved in the Under 16 Scholarship Academy programme, which includes twice weekly training sessions at Warrington's base at the University of Chester campus. The coaching is led by ex-club forward Gary Chambers.

The young players have at least six more playing opportunities against other professional clubs schemes to sustain and demonstrate their talents.

David's great uncle is Stephen Hesford who many regard as a legend at Warrington Wolves. The full back spent 10 years at the Lancashire based club from 1975-85 and currently still holds the club record at Warrington for most goals scored (1,112). He was also the club record point scorer before he was surpassed by Lee Briers in 2011.