"The 2017 season was quite a year for the players and coaches of Siddal Under 13s; part of a club reknowned for success and the endless conveyor belt of young, upcoming talent, this age group certainly led the way in terms of application of both skill and attitude to reign supreme.
"Under the stewardship of the superbly dedicated Ben Jackson, Paul Hirst and Steve Copley, the squad - who did the treble in the calendar year by becoming Yorkshire Cup, League Cup and League winners, are certainly one of the sides to keep an eye on when taking into consideration the possibilities of further silverware in the coming times.
"There are no doubts that this team are one strong, cohesive unit; training twice a week, coupled with the rigorous intensity of those sessions alongside an unbreakable togetherness, is only the beginning of the moulding process into successful young men who have the utmost desire to represent their club with the greatest sense of pride.
"The beginning of the process, yes, as this group is still far from the final, polished article. But if the team ethic, skill and commitment on display in the early age groups rolls on over the crucial development stages of the future, then Siddal RLFC could may well have yet another aspect of the club ruling the roost over the wider society of junior Rugby League in both Yorkshire and throughout the whole nation.
"That being said, the under 13s make the huge step up to national level with the test of the BARLA Under 14 National Cup arriving in due course.
"Nonetheless, the side had to thoroughly work hard to maintain its 100 per cent record over the season, also working especially hard to keep out their opponents by reducing errors and ultimately putting a healthy amount of points on the board in the process.
"Arguably one of the toughest assignments passed was at the turn of the year into 2017; a Yorkshire Cup triumph over rivals Batley Boys at Featherstone Rovers set the lads on their path to glory and ignited the fire to kick-start a year in which all associated with Siddal would have been proud.
"Waiting for the league to get under way in March must've felt like an eternity for the lads who were chomping at the bit to get their teeth into it. All that hard pre-season work paid off,
"However, as the opening two fixtures against tough opposition in Stanningley and Castleford Lock Lane were passed with flying colours- even including a shut-out of a Lock Lane side with many a dangerous player in their ranks.
"A hard-fought victory at West Leeds followed by a cup second-round victory over Brotherton Bulldogs capped off an unbeaten first month of the season.
"The side would swiftly pick up where it left off throughout April, a defeat of Shaw Cross and Milford and another cup victory, this time at Cutsyke, instilled yet more belief that this could well be a term which proud parents and coaches alike would witness the boys attain a trophy (or two) in consecutive seasons.
"May began with a trip to Batley, who in turn were out looking to avenge January's Cup Final heartache, and it would take a sensational late second-half comeback to preserve the unbeaten record whilst providing a huge statement of intent and determination in the process.
"That win at Batley rallied the Siddal boys to tighten up the performances.
"Perfect responses with high-scoring wins over spirited outfits in West Leeds and Milford would have impressed coaches Ben, Paul and Steve to the highest degree.
"They certainly would have been proud with the character shown the week after the Milford victory, as yet another bruising encounter with Shaw Cross saw the Blue and Whites come out on top 18-10.
"The month of June would also see the under 13s claim a league cup final berth - against Batley again - by claiming a 28-10 victory over Lock Lane on home turf.
"July opened up with the first of two shut-outs against Kippax as the side played solidly both offensively and defensively during a 50-0 victory, before a hat-trick of victories over Lock Lane was completed by a score-line of 29-10.
"Mid-season's summer break didn't go to waste as the boys were victorious in a '9s' tournament in Hull, as well as a friendly defeat of Halton Farnworth Hornets who were considered to be one of the best sides that Lancashire had to offer in the same age group from over the pennines.
"When the season eventually recommenced in September, it wouldn't take long for Siddal to wrap up the league title with a second scoreless shut-out away to Kippax, ahead of battling home victories over two of the chasing pack in Stanningley and Batley Boys - sensational stuff from the group to end the campaign unbeaten; a remarkable achievement in many senses.
"Siddal would go on to meet the Batley Club for the fourth time within 2017 in that league cup final after advancing at the expense of Lock Lane.
"The game went down to the wire nonetheless as extra time was needed to see off a valiant Batley effort, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Siddal boys from gaining their just rewards at the end of a campaign full of quality and commitment which doesn't look to be coming to a halt any time soon.""
