A New Generation Delivers: Skirlaugh Academy Storm into Yorkshire Plate Final
Saturday marked a landmark day for Skirlaugh ARLFC as the Academy booked their place in the Yorkshire Plate Final with an impressive 33-22 victory over Heworth.
The result is about far more than reaching a final. It represents the progress the club has made in rebuilding its Academy programme after several challenging years of struggling to consistently field a side. This season, the Academy has fulfilled every official fixture, providing a genuine pathway for young players into Open Age rugby.
The numbers alone demonstrate the success of that pathway. Of the 20-man squad, 15 players have progressed through Skirlaugh's own junior system, while 10 were aged under 21. Remarkably, three members of the squad are still eligible to play Under-18 rugby, highlighting the exciting future being built at the club.
Backed by a fantastic travelling support that included parents, volunteers, ex-players, First Team players and supporters, the Academy also had the backing of First Team Head Coach Matt Danville and Assistant Coach Tim Last from the sidelines.
Skirlaugh made the brighter start, with Connah Oliver opening the scoring before adding the conversion himself. Fenton Tansey then crossed for the Black and Ambers' second try to establish early control.
Heworth responded strongly and turned the game around before the interval, taking a narrow 18-10 lead into half-time.
The Academy showed tremendous character after the break. Brad Johnson crossed for an important try before Connor Oliver added the extras to reduce the deficit. Jack Johnson then powered over to put Skirlaugh back in front, before Connor Oliver demonstrated great composure to land a drop goal and extend the advantage.
With Heworth chasing the game, Josh Smith produced two outstanding finishes to put the result beyond doubt and secure a deserved 33-22 victory, sparking celebrations among the travelling Skirlaugh supporters.
Josh Smith's superb display earned him the Man of the Match award, while Ben Hookem was recognised with the Ex-Players' Man of the Match award after another excellent performance.
The victory is a fitting reward for a group of players who have worked tirelessly throughout the season and is testament to the commitment of the coaching staff, volunteers and everyone who has helped rebuild the Academy programme.
The win now sets up a Yorkshire Plate Final against Milford A at Batley Stadium, giving this talented young squad the opportunity to create another piece of history for the club.
With the Academy flourishing, the First Team challenging at the top end of the table and both sides still competing in cup competitions, there is a real sense of momentum around Skirlaugh ARLFC. The future of the club has never looked brighter.