St Ambrose College’s under-15s rugby team had an extra reason to impress in their away clash at Leeds Grammar on Saturday – England head coach Stuart Lancaster was watching from the sidelines.
Lancaster had taken time out from England’s preparations for their final World Cup group game against Uruguay in Manchester to make the trip across the Pennines to watch his son, Daniel, in action as Leeds’ fly-half.
But having overseen a disappointingly short World Cup campaign with defeats against Wales and Australia, Lancaster tasted defeat again as St Ambrose came out 38-26 winners.
Lancaster’s presence certainly had a positive effect on the Hale Barns school’s players, however.
John Cutting, St Ambrose’s rugby coach, said: “He was very supportive of both sides, applauded good play from both teams and was it was a great pleasure to meet him for both the boys and the coaching staff.
“I think our boys were lifted by his presence, indeed inspired, and played some of their best rugby of the season so far in a very attractive game.
“Stuart did comment that we played a little like Wales retaining the ball in the tight, and using the kinking game intelligently.”
In a separate rugby boost for the school, St Ambrose won the 10th Peter Whiting Tens Under-16 memorial tournament with a convincing series of wins against tough opposition on the Northern Schools’ Circuit.
The cherry and blues cruised through the round robin stage before beating Altrincham Grammar School 47–0 and Manchester Grammar School 60–0, before overcoming Audenshaw 22–7 in the final.
England under-16 scrum-half Tom Walsh and Cheshire pair Ciaran Booth and Conor Doherty stood out for the school.
