Wigan School who triumphed at Wembley in this year’s Schools Final – Total Rugby League

Although a much earlier kick-off now prevents most Wembley spectators from getting in to see it, the traditional schoolboy curtain raiser is still a key part of cup final day for those attending and their families.

The 2024 Steven Mullaney Memorial Trophy Boys Year 7 Inspire Sport champions schools final may not have been among the most closely contested of the hugely popular Betfred Challenge Cup final curtain-raisers – the 26-6 result in favor of St Peter’s, a Orrell’s over Cardiff’s Ysgal Glantaf is testament to that – but the scoreline doesn’t quite do justice to the young Welshman’s contribution.

Glantaf were 14-0 adrift after just twelve minutes having conceded three tries (two to superb strikes from St Peter’s player Leo McMullen) and there was a feeling that a real fight might be on the order of the day.

That it didn’t work out that way is a testament to the sheer resilience of the Cardiff boys who, after going 20-0 up early in the second period, Harry Brown’s solo effort following Joseph Dewsnip’s earlier tries, Max Dowthwaite and Jake. Porter – shared the spoils in the closing stages with Trystan Nichols landing and Jack Witchell adding the extras.

St Peter’s, however, rightly had the last word, Jake Roberts crossing and McMullen kicking his third goal to collect their cup and medals from members of the Mullaney family in one of the most emotional highlights of any day of the final at Wembley; the trophy is named after the youngster who delighted millions of viewers with his joyous celebrations after scoring a wonderful solo try at the curtain raiser in 1986. Tragically, Steven Mullaney was killed in a motorbike accident outside his school gates in the following year.

There was an emotional moment earlier as those spectators who were present for the 10am kick-off (parents who were allowed in this year after having to wait until later in the morning in 2023) burst into applause at the minute seven, in tribute to Rob Burrow. And finally, it was good to see Jack Johnson, of ‘Joining Jack’ fame, join in the celebrations.

Neil Ashton, who – along with Paul Santus – is at the helm of St Peter’s, has been at the school for a quarter of a century (importantly being mentored initially by Wigan and New Zealand ‘great’ Dean Bell). He stressed: “We don’t see ourselves as rugby league coaches, we are very much PE teachers trying to provide opportunities and support for our students in a wide range of sports. Last year our school was ranked as the fourth best comprehensive school in the country for sporting performance and being in Wigan, rugby league is obviously a big part of what we offer.

He continued: “Although there has been a lot of focus, understandably, on those of our players whose fathers are or were famous names, such as midfielders Harry Brown, James Johnson and Max Amor (their fathers are respectively Kevin, the former player from Wigan). Andy and Kyle) the key thing is that we are a team, with every boy in the team making an important contribution.”

Kick-off at 10.00 means the game is, these days, in front of an almost empty stadium. “We’ve played just before the Challenge Cup before and there’s no doubt that makes the occasion that much more special as the crowd builds throughout the game,” reflected Ashton. “I would like to see a return to this being the traditional curtain raiser, although I appreciate that the Women’s Challenge Cup and the 1895 final deserve to be there too. I noticed that the game had over 10k views on YouTube, so that shows there is a real appetite from viewers to watch it.

“All our parents were able to make it to the game which was great but it was disappointing that the general public couldn’t get in early as I know many, many people who wanted to watch the game live. I appreciate this will come down to administration, but I would like it looked at going forward.

“I would, however, like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this an unforgettable experience; to RFL for providing these opportunities. it was great to see so many senior members of the RFL, along with the Mullaneys, as part of the presentation team.”

First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 498 (July 2024)

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