ST WILFRID'S were given a few rugby lessons in their first ever competitive match.

And the school quickly learnt they have a lot of catching up to do as Queen Elizabeth Grammar School ran in 12 tries without reply.

Played at Lammack Playing Fields, Blackburn, the match was arranged to give the new boys of St Wilfrid's some much needed match practice.

However QEGS players were looking to impress to try and break into the first team - while first choice wingers Jonathan Beh and Stuart Burrell were given a run out in preparation for this week's vital Manchester Schools' Cup clash against Winstanley College.

And the two wingers were just two of 11 players to get their names on the score sheet in a one-sided encounter.

St Wilfrid's however used the game as a valuable learning experience before they submit a team into the local school league.

Beh and Burrell only played the first 15 minutes but were in outstanding form. But their replacements Richard Maung and Eddie Brownlow showed that they weren't missed too much as they both crossed the line to score.

Centre Jonathan Ions was the fifth back to score while another replacement Tim Lord came on and scored two tries. Ions' centre partner, Marwan Al-Dawoud also got on the score sheet.

QEGS forwards showed that they could run in a few tries of their own.

Michael Foster, Owen Taylor, Chris Green and captain and number eight Chris Wood all grabbed a try apiece.

QEGS rugby coach Perran Gill said: "I know it was a bit one sided but this probably was more beneficial to St Wilfrids than it was to us. "It was there first ever game and we were glad we were able to help them out help and help promote rugby in Blackburn."

He added: "We have a very strong rugby set-up here but our aim is to get as many schools in the area playing the game."

QEGS: Oliver Gilkes, Alistair McKay, Michael Foster, Owen Taylor, Chris Green, Theodore Gill, Peter Ashcroft, Chris Wood, Charlie Downes, Rob Lord, Jonathan Beh, Jonathan Ions, Marwan Al-Dawoud, Stuart Burrell and Kyle Jordan. Replacements: Richard Maung, Tim Lord and Eddie Brownlow

ST WILFRID'S: Andrew Clapham, Martin Watton, Martin Byrne, James Downey, Paul Fitzsimmons, Harry Parker, Andy Brighouse, Matthew Lloyd, Robert Dent, Chris Bentley, Chris Bromley, Chris Aspin, Matthew Barton, Jonathan Drain, Matthew Wright.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.