Take The Lead, December 2013 4
The Rugby League World Cup took place in England and Wales over 6 weeks in October and November.
It was the most successful tournament that the code has ever had and John Spence were proud to be part of this occasion and a World Record crowd for the final.
42 pupils and 6 staff from John Spence Community High School North Shields visited two games.
The 48 members of John Spence firstly saw England beat Fiji in a group stage qualify at Hull 34-12. It was the first time some of the pupils had been to a world class sporting event which was live in front of their very eyes!!! It captivated the pupils and motivated them to follow England for the remainder of the competition, knowing they might get the chance to see them in the final two weeks later in Manchester at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams!
Unfortunately this was not the case as England lost out in the final seconds against New Zealand. This set up a mouth- watering final with Australia playing New Zealand. The same pupils this time travelled to Manchester to soak up the atmosphere of a World Cup Final. Adam Pilkington who organised the trip added, “For our pupils this is a once in a lifetime experience. To watch world class stars, in a world class event within a world class stadium. Can it get any better?” The game ended 34-2 with Australia taking the crown.
Pupils were excellent through the two visits and it really sparked enthusiasm throughout the school.