Newport School Praised Following Tag Rugby Event

Pupils from a Newport school have been praised after finishing well in a regional police tag rugby event.

Young people from Lilleshall School took part in the regional finals after they qualified last month at the finals of the West Mercia Police tag rugby team event.

The regional finals were played at Fiveways Old Edwardians Rugby Club in Birmingham and the team, which comprised of both boy and girls, competed against teams from all over the Midlands and West Mercia area.

School teams were competing for a place to play at Twickenham, the home of English rugby.

Lilleshall School won two of their games and drew two, which resulted in them tying on 10 points with another school from the West Midlands area. However, they missed out on progressing any further in the competition after the other school scored 18 tries and Lilleshall scored 16.

All of those involved in the tournament said they were extremely proud of the pupils for getting so far in the competition.

Community Support Officer Andy Protheroe, who has been heavily involved with the tag rugby, said it was the first time that a Newport School had progressed so far in the tournament.

He said: "All involved had a great time. Lilleshall finished in the top 15 schools in the whole of the West Midlands area, which is a fantastic achievement for such a small primary school. They should all be very proud of themselves."

Maria Hogan, Year Six teacher at Lilleshall School, said: "What a great day everyone had. The games were played in a sporting manner and I'm very proud of what has been achieved at Lilleshall School."

A school from Church Stretton were the overall winners and they now have a chance of playing at Twickenham.

Issued: Monday 25 June 2012.