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The annual John Welborn Cup was held on Tuesday with 500 students from 21 schools participating in the Open and Year 9 round robin competitions at Britannia Oval.
There was some excellent rugby on display in the hot conditions with 32 teams playing three games throughout the day.
Emirates Western Force players David Pocock and Mark Bartholomeusz were in attendance to sign autographs and were impressed by the level of rugby shown at secondary school level.
The Open competition saw Aranmore Red, Mandurah Secondary College, Kelmscott and Lake Joondalup Baptist College all undefeated in their round robin games to head to the semis. Aranmore dominated Mandurah in the first semi to progress to the Grand Final which will be held at nib Stadium before the Emirates Western Force v Waratahs game this Saturday.
Kelmscott and Lake Joondalup was a more evenly matched affair with both teams locked at 14-all with just minutes remaining on the clock. Kelmscott managed to find the try line just before full time to take their place in the Grand Final against Aranmore.
In the Year 9 competition Darling Range and Aranmore won their semis to earn a berth in this Saturday’s Grand Finals.
Aranmore were unbeaten and impressively shut out all their opponents throughout the day, including a 37-0 victory against CBC Yellow with a superb defence display. Darling Range and CBC Green were both undefeated leading into their semi but it was Darling Range who claimed the victory 26-12.
The Grand Finals will be played this Saturday 9 April at nib Stadium with the Year 9’s kicking off at 6.20pm and the Open Final commencing at 6.50pm.
As the Finals will be held prior to an Emirates Western Force home game spectators must contact their schools for ticket purchase information.
John Welborn Cup Grand Finals
Saturday, 9 April 2011 at nib Stadium
Year 9: Darling Range v Aranmore Red
Kick Off: 6.20pm
Open: Aranmore Red v Kelmscott
Kick Off: 6.50pm