The final X-League event of the season took place on Saturday with teams from across the country showcasing the very best of the RFL’s social offer at Sheffield Hallam University.
Saturday’s event included Cheshire Titans, Cheshire Warriors, Lancashire Owls, Lancashire Saints and the South Yorkshire Forgers taking part in a round robin tournament with the top four teams progressing to the semi-finals.
Cheshire Warriors and the South Yorkshire Forgers were the first to qualify for the semi-finals with the Warriors producing a convincing 36-4 win. Their opponents were confirmed a short while later when the Cheshire Titans defeated Lancashire Saints 28-16 to set up an all-Cheshire final.
The final turned out to be an absolute classic with both teams pushing each other right until the end. As the 20-minute mark approached, the score was level at eight points a piece with the Warriors claiming victory in extra time with a 12-8 win.
Spectators were also treated to a repeat of last year’s X-League World Cup Final when players from across the tournament took part in an England Community Lionhearts versus Ireland fixture. Whilst Ireland lifted the inaugural Lough Leane Trophy last year, this time round England inflicted revenge on their home nation rivals and triumphed to a 20-8 victory.
And as the day drew to a close, celebrations were in order as the Spirit of X-League was awarded to the South Yorkshire Forgers and Oldham St Annes were announced as the 2023 X-League Grand Prix Winner’s.
South Yorkshire Forgers captain, Zack Wilson, explained:
"Saturday's event was a great day for X-League and all the clubs involved - everything was played in a fantastic which was demonstrated by the Rugby League on show. All of the team were proud to represent South Yorkshire Forgers and we’d like to thank Sheffield Hallam University for providing us with an opportunity to showcase the potential of this variant of Rugby League."
RFL Social Officer, Bradley Kelk, says:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in Saturday’s event – it was a wonderful occasion all round and showcased the very best of regional and international X-League.
“Every team gave it their all and a special mention must also go to our match officials, Logan Miles and Danny Crampton, for their decision making which was consistent and of the highest standard, something which the players highlighted throughout the day.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming Solent Spitfires to the X-League family as our newest team in 2024”.
To find out if there is a X-League RL club near you, or if you’d like more information, please visit the RFL website.
