DETERMINED Settle College girls beat off tough competition to take the title National Rugby League Champions 2014.

Led by captain Hannah Newbold, the girls were victorious in the Carnegie Rugby League final held at the Castleford Tigers ground.

The Year 10 and 11 girls have progressed from Yorkshire champions to take the national title ahead of 1,678 rival teams.

Wearing the white kit Settle won as white rose champions, a true team spirit shone through right from the start of the match against favourites St. Peters and Pauls of Halton. During the first half both teams displayed outstanding passing abilities and utter determination despite facing a barrage of difficult tackles. Settle’s supporters were left biting their nails as the referee blew the half time whistle with a nil – nil score.

However, in the second half after a quick switch of play Alice Jones scored an amazing try on the right hand side of the pitch. Niamh Benson took her position and converted in style. Shortly afterwards a second try was scored by Lucy Dean, again successfully converted, this time by Emily Campbell. In the final stages of the match the girls were still fighting hard and the third try came after an inspiring run from Jasmine Pennett. Final score, 16-6.

Principal Michele Costello said “We are absolutely delighted and so proud of the girls. Some of the players have visited our feeder primary schools to talk to younger students about their passion for rugby and their achievements on the rugby field- and of course to show off their winner’s trophy!’

The Champion Schools tournament is the world's biggest Rugby League knockout competition and is open to every secondary school in England, Wales and Scotland. Rugby League has seen an immense growth in schools over the last few years and this competition has played a vital role in introducing the game to an ever increasing number of young people throughout the United Kingdom.