MISSING out on a Wembley appearance last year has proved a spur for repeat Champion Schools semi-finalists Beamont Collegiate Academy.

The boys face last year’s winners Castleford Academy in the year eight semi final of the national competition at Crosfields’ Hood Lane ground on Thursday, May 17, kick off 1pm.

This Beamont group of players were knocked out by St Peters from Wigan at the last-four stage in 2017 when the year seven final, as it is each year, was to be played out as the curtain-raiser to rugby league’s showcase Challenge Cup Final at the national stadium.

Bridgewater High School year seven team are one win from Wembley

But the team have used the disappointment effectively and defeated St Peters in this year’s North West Schools Cup Final.

Beamont were narrowly defeated by their semi-final opponents Castleford in last year’s competition and are now looking forward to the challenge of reversing their fortunes and reaching July’s final.

“I’ve been impressed with the boys’ progress,” said Beamont coach Mike McLoughlin, PE teacher and head of year eight.

“We’ve had them together since year seven. They do train diligently every week. Some of them are now on the Warrington Wolves programme, which is brilliant news.

“Their attitude to training and the game is really strong.

“Last year we got to this same stage against St Peters, and we also played them in the North West final. They turned us over both times in very tight games. It’s rewarding to have turned them over in the North West final this year, reflecting on our boys’ progress.

“It’s a nice challenge for us to be playing Castleford Academy.

“We played them last year early on in the English Schools Cup and they beat us in quite a tight game.

“They got the edge on us so we’ll see if we’ve improved since then.”

Since the 16-4 North West victory over St Peters the Beamont team have knocked out North Halifax Grammar School, St Marys (Leigh) and Furness Academy (Barrow) in the national stages and now attention turns to next week’s semi final.

“Excitement is building,” said McLoughlin.

“Our boys have played in some big games, including the semi final last year. That was a big blow because the lads missed out on the chance to play at Wembley by four points.

“Although it hurt at the time it almost becomes a bit of an incentive to make up for it the following year and that’s what we seem to have done so far.

“Getting into the national final would be the cherry on the cake. It’s a big ask but we feel because we have beaten St Peters, who were our nemesis last year, it has built up a lot of confidence.

“We’ve had a lot of support from Warrington Wolves. Lee Mitchell (community coach) has had a lot of input into them at year seven and eight.

“Lee Westwood has been down as well, so we’ve had a lot of support from the pro club and that’s been a real drive for the team.”

McLoughlin has a long history with schools rugby league in Warrington, including representative teams and he is pleased to see Bridgewater High School’s year seven side in the semi finals too.

“It’s brilliant for Bridgewater,” he said.

“Their year seven team is very solid and are really good to watch, playing some nice footy.

“Warrington schools have not always consistently competed with the Wigans and the Leighs, but it’s good to do so now.”