CHALLENGE Cup holders Warrington Wolves swept all before them at the Cheltenham Rugby Festival to lift the All Golds Cup at a sun baked Prince of Wales Stadium.
A great atmosphere and an occasion rich in entertainment kept the crowd enthralled throughout.
The standard of play was breathtaking with stunning skills,crunching tackles and speed to burn.
Despite a brave stand by Wales Students they were no match for the mighty Wolves in the Final and eventually succumbed by 44 – 10 to the power and pace of their Super League opponents.
From the opening group fixture Warrington moved into top gear and kept Sheffield Eagles scoreless in a 24 – 0 scoreline.
The Wolves were pushed all the way by ambitious Exeter University before recording a victory by 18 – 6 and securing top spot in group C.
After the end of the group games the Festival directors Neal Coupland and Lionel Hurst carried out a public draw for the semi-final spots.
This saw Warrington paired with Yorkshire giants Leeds Rhinos whilst Wales Students clashed with resurgent Oldham.
The Welsh boys triumphed in an epic with a great late conversion to pip their Lancashire foes by 16 – 14.
On their way to the Final Wales Students had claimed some famous scalps in beating the British Army by 24 – 4 and Featherstone Rovers 26 – 14.
The all Super League semi – final produced a 20 – 8 scoreline in Warrington’s favour.
Amidst a superb team effort the Wolves also produced the player of the tournament in rising Welsh starlet Rhys Evans (pictured right).
His selection by the assembled media saw him receive the William ” Massa ” Johnston Award from the Editor of the Gloucestershire Echo Kevan Blackadder.
The magnificent All Golds Cup was presented jointly by leading guests Kevan Blackadder and the Mayor of Cheltenham Councillor Lloyd Surgenor.
The Shield for second placed teams was won by Featherstone Rovers who beat South Wales Scorpions 20 – 8 and the Plate for third placed sides was won by the British Army who vanquished the gallant and popular Jamaica by 14 – 12.
The Golden Fern Cup for women was retained by the British Army whilst the player of the tournament was Tammy Shakespeare of Cheltenham Ladies who received the Empress Award.
More silverware for Wolves
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
