STONYHURST College created a little bit of history when four teams reached Lancashire finals – the fact that only two of them emerged as county champions takes nothing award from a remarkable achievement.

In what can only be described as a fabulous sporting day for the Clitheroe school, the U14s, U15s and U16s rugby teams – plus the Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall U13 – battled it out in County Rugby Finals at Southport.

While it was the U14s and and U15s who emerged triumphant, it was a day the whole college could celebrate.

The Stonyhurst U14s faced the reigning champions Lancaster Grammar School in their final and recorded a 15-8 win, a victory secured with a length of the field try in the last play of the game.

The U15s were up against the same opponents and it was the same outcome, only this time Stonyhurst’s win was more straightforward, running out 36-10 winners.

Stonyhurst showed they meant business right from the start, and powerful runs from Victor Keunan, Edward Scott and Favour Maduka saw the team leading 14-0 in as many minutes. A dangerous Lancaster team came back but Stonyhurst dug deep and held a strong defensive line.

The Stonyhurst U16s lost 23-7 to a large and powerful Merchant Taylors team, who took an early lead. A well-worked line-out enabled Stonyhurst half back Tom Baker to scamper under the posts to reduce the arrears to 13-7 with captain Tom Morgan converting.

But another converted try and a penalty sealed victory for the Crosby school.

The Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall 1st XV faced another Lancaster team in what proved to be a very even game, with most of the play between the two 10 metre lines – and it was a break-away try by Lancaster that finally decided the outcome as they won 7-0 in a very hard-fought match.

Stonyhurst’s Director of Sport, Mr Simon Charles was thrilled with the performances of all four teams.

He said: “This was a real celebration of the effort, commitment and talent demonstrated by a large number of Stonyhurst pupils and their coaches.

“Acknowledgement and thanks must go to all concerned including the parents and spectators who came along to support the teams not just at the finals day but also throughout the season.”