Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf beat St Peter’s Catholic School of Wigan 30-22 to win this year’s national Year 8 Champion Schools Final.
This year’s win, with the match played in Wakefield, was revenge for the Cardiff school following defeat at Wembley Stadium in the year 7 final in 2024 against the same opponents.
It looked like the match could go the same way after the Wigan side scored with their first touch of the ball. Leon McMullen received the ball from kick-off and an 80 metres, dodging all comers to score the opening try.
However, Glantaf were in control by half-time. The two teams swapped tries twice to make the score 10-10, but the Welsh scored twice more before the interval to put the score onto 20-10.
Jac Witchell was rightly named player of the match for his first half hat-trick and landing three conversions. Sam Fordham, Harry Davies and Khaleel Hassan also ran over for tries.
Glantaf: Dai Wicks, Sam Fordham, Will Harrisson, Trystan Nicholas, Harry Davies, Jac Witchell, Rhys Howard, Khaleel Hassan, Rhys Mayers, Ralph Jones, Will Evans (captain), Jacob Knox, Harri Rees. Subs: Elis Evans, Archie Shackle, Griff Roberts, James Bickerstaff, Seth Robbins.
