Hopwood Hall Academy complete amazing RL treble

The Hopwood Hall’s Rugby League Academy team celebrating with trophy & champagne, the trophy

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Hopwood Hall’s Rugby League Academy completed an amazing treble on Wednesday night at the Wakefield Wildcats stadium.

They had previously won the North West Premier Division, won the North West Carnegie Cup and completed the treble by winning the National College Cup Final beating Leeds College by a blistering 42-6.

The first 15 minutes of the game was dominated by the Leeds outfit, but resolute defence from the Hopwood boys managed to keep them at bay.

The deadlock was broken by blockbusting full back Seta Tela who powered over from a set piece move from close range, which was converted by Niall Bradley.

Shortly after, Daniel Moran darted over from close range, with Bradley converting again.

Bradley then kicked a penalty to take Hopwood to a 14-0 lead just before half-time.

Just before the break, Leeds College camped out on the Hopwood line but still couldn’t score, then a mass brawl ensued and Hopwood lost two players.

Seta Tela got sin binned and Kristian Constantanou was sent off, which left Hopwood with 11 men for 45 minutes and 12 men for the whole second half.

After the break and with only 11 men, Hopwood came out like a house on fire and managed three quick scores through two Aidan Gleeson tries; one from a Aaron Brown kick and another from a quick tap, both converted by Niall Bradley.

Paul Brearley then got on the score sheet supporting a fantastic Aaron Brown break, and Seta Tela barged over from close range.

Leeds then grabbed a late consolation try against a tired Hopwood defence; but it was Hopwood Hall who had the last say with Aaron Brown scoring a great individual try from the halfway line.

Man of the Match went to Paul Brearley, but he was closely followed by Aaron Brown, Jack Francis, Daniel Moran and Seta Tela.

Coach Matt Calland was absolutely thrilled with his team’s performance.

He said: “The boys have worked so hard for this.

“They have trained five times a week since September; they really put so much effort into this and they have been a joy to coach and what a performance they put in for the cup final!

“Their defence was awesome and I am sure some of these boys have got big futures in the game if they stay focused and keep working hard to improve.”