Outwood's fairy tale continues

The Daily Mail Cups, particularly the Under 15 competition, have a habit of producing fairy tales.

Last year it was Epsom College who went all the wayon their debut to win at Twickenham. Outwood Grange from Wakefield have been sprinkled with magic dust this season and are one game away from the final after an astounding debut cup run - made all the more remarkable bythe fact that rugby league is their No 1 game.

But as we have seen withJason Robinson, a talented cross coder can soon adapt to a different game, and union has been stealing defensive techniques from league for years.

Outwood's decision to try the 15-man game came last season when they were looking for more rugby and success in the Yorkshire Cup whetted their appetite.

"We decided that entering the Daily Mail was the obvious move and it has worked out beyond our wildest dreams," said rugby master Andrew Green.

What has really made the schools game sit up is that Outwood's last three victims have been union heavyweights. First came local rivals QEGS, then Durham and last week they came from 11-0 down to beat a very good Bedford side on their lucky ground at Sandal RFC.

"To be honest, our 10-8 win at QEGS was the big moment but we played well against Durham. Things went our way against QEGS when they missed some late kicks and although we beat Durham 38-21, an injury to their lively scrum half was a big blow to them. We got off to a slow start against Bedford butwe showed great determination and resilience to win 24-21. Everything is a bonus for us now, especially as we are still learning the game."

Outwood could not have achieved what they have without some outstanding footballers. Powerful centre James Endersby has been chosen by Yorkshire at both codes and it was his individual try which launched the comeback against Bedford. Back row man Jack Smith has led the side superbly andscored hat-trick of tries against Durham while fly half Mark Pease is in the North team for the Divisional trials this month.

"We've had a tremendous input from our coaches, Paul Macintosh, Richard Wade and Steve Smith, and the lads have really worked hard for what they have achieved," said Green.

Outwood will play St Paul's at Castlecroft on March 9 and on the evidence of the Barnes' school's impressive win at RGS High Wycombe it will be some contest with both sides boasting considerable threat in the three-quarters.

There is also the prospect of an all-Yorkshire final with St Peter's, York taking on Millfield in the other semi-final.