Durham County announce first Challenge Cup ticket winners as West Hartlepool U15s

West Hartlepool U15s have been named Durham County’s September ‘Story of the Month’ through the Newcastle 2019 European Club Rugby Finals initiative.

West Hartlepool were nominated as a team that displayed exceptional core values of the game on multiple occasions.

The sportsmanship and respect that the young rugby players have demonstrated has won them, 20 free tickets to the European Challenge Cup Final at St James’ Park in May next year.

In recent weeks, West Hartlepool have been complimented from other clubs both on and off the field.

One club spectator, said: “A couple of the young lads were lovely to my three year old daughter.

“She was on the pitch after the first team game and the lads were brilliant with her. They made sure they were careful and gave her a ball to play with, and passed their ball to her in-between their own passing game.

“They even helped her to kick the ball. They are an absolute credit to the club.”

But, the young West lads have also been noticed by Acklam Rugby Club for their sportsmanship on the field.

In a recent fixture against Acklam U15s, the coaches made the decision to mix up the teams to let everyone enjoy the game.

Yet, with a clear advantage to staying as a team for the score line, the lads mixed teams without hesitation.

Acklam Age Grade Chair, Len Taylor, said: “The West U15 team and coaches, are true rugby men.

“We would like to say a huge thank you, you have a great team and your help with numbers and willingness to play mixed teams, meant a lot!”

The Challenge Cup will kick start the Newcastle 2019 European Club Rugby Finals on Friday May, 10 at 7.45pm at St James’ Park, for more information go to: http://www.newcastle2019.com/

If you would like to be considered for our next Story of the Month prize through Newcastle 2019, download the nomination form and send it into dcrfu@therfu.com by the end of each month.

By Clarissa Murphy