Sharks junior gala hailed huge success

Shaw Cross Sharks Girls receive their medals at the clubs junior gala.

Teams from Wigan St Cuthberts, Smawthorne Panthers, West Hull, Crigglestone and Stanley Rangers, along with local sides Dewsbury Celtic, Dewsbury Moor and Batley Boys took part in Under-8s, Under-9s, Under-10s and Under-11s tournaments.

Oulton and East Leeds also entered teams into the girls competition.

All the teams produced some exciting rugby in hot conditions, while various attractions and stalls kept the spectators entertained in between games.

Dewsbury Rams mascot Roger the Ram made a guest appearance and had photos taken with some of the younger players.

Wakefield Wildcats player Mickael Simon and Jean Phillipe Baille, of Bradford Bulls, presented medals to all the participants.

Shaw Cross club chairman Chris Smith said: “The day was a fantastic success and the junior section deserve huge praise for making it so well organised. Many of the volunteers were working from 6am preparing the event.”

The Sharks’ two open age sides return to action this Saturday.

The first team will be looking to boost their hopes of a top-six finish in National Conference League Division One when they welcome lowly Saddleworth Rangers to Leeds Road.

The Sharks currently lie eighth but are just three points outside the top six, while Saddleworth occupy second-bottom spot and are involved in a relegation scrap.

The Sharks A team will be aiming to take another step towards clinching top spot in Yorkshire Men’s League Division Two when they travel to East Leeds A.

Shaw Cross need just three points from their final two games to pip Bradford Dudley Hill A to pole position and will fancy their chances of winning against an East Leeds side who are bottom.

Dudley Hill have just one game remaining, away to Heworth next Saturday when the Sharks are at home to Hunslet Warriors A.