Bristol's first schools rugby league competition was a great success, with seven teams taking part in a nine a side competition at Filton College. The event itself was organised by students at the College, as a part of the Rugby League Leaders Award, in conjunction with the Bristol Sonics Community Club.

In the Year 8 competition, St Bernadettes RC school were the stand-out team, maintaining a 100% record through the group stages before defeating St Mary Ratcliffe Temple in the final by 32 points to 6.

The Year 9 tournament was a much closer affair. City Academy were unlucky to lose to a try on the last play against St Bernadettes, before making a sensational comeback from 18-0 down to draw 18 all with St Mary Ratcliffe Temple. It wasn't enough to make the final, though, where the Grange School from Brislington were too strong for St Bernadettes, winning 18-6.

The event itself was a showcase for junior rugby league, and comes on the back of visits by both Leeds Rhinos and the Jamaica National Team to schools in Bristol. The engagement with Rugby League has been particularly encouraging amongst the BME communities in the heart of the city, thanks to the support of Sporting Equals and the local Black Development Agency.

Regional Manager Joe Catcheside was very pleased with the progress in the city. "We have been fortunate to work with some great partners, at Filton College, through the local community groups and in the schools", he said. "Bristol Sonics have been particularly supportive, and will be running junior teams at under 13 and under 15, to make sure the local kids can keep their rugby league going over the summer months. It won't be long before the South West is bringing through players with as much league experience as those in traditional areas."

See photos of the competitions