For the first time in the history of London and the South East, a school from South of the heartlands have made it to the Carnegie Champion Schools National Finals. The Essex based school, Brentwood County High’s Year 8 side finally overcame the disappointment of their trail to Wembley in 2009 when they were knocked out in the last 16.

After a year of regrouping, with support from teacher of the year Daniel Iacono, the year 8 boys confidently cruised through their semi final regional round 32-4 against their Hertfordshire counter parts JFK. With the unpredictable weather disrupting the Regional finals at the Stoop, Brentwood progressed to the national rounds of the competition first up pushing Buile Hill from Salford to one side 46 – 10. It was however, Wade Deacon from Widnes who had dashed their hopes in 2009 that were next to face the boys from Essex in the quarter finals.

An enthralling game saw Brentwood fall out 28-26 winners, putting them in a confident mood for the semi final clash against St. John Fisher from Wigan. Fisher who were National Semi finalists in 2009 again provided a tough test for the southern side, but they prevailed 14-10 winners and are now set for the finals day on August 27th on the eve of the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Prior to the kick off all the players will parade around the pitch and have vip seats for Rugby League’s oldest competition.

Prior to this, Brentwood still have one more piece of silverware to contest as they face Hinchley Wood in the Year 8 Regional Boys Finals at the Twickenham Stoop on Tuesday the 4th of May. The Regional Finals at the Stoop is free to all and anyone can come along to have a look at the competition.

Once again, well done to Brentwood County High and Brentwood Elvers who are their Junior Club link.