Ilkley boys shine at Sedbergh (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ilkley boys shine for unbeaten Sedbergh

10:32am Thursday 10th January 2013 in Sport

Two Ilkley boys who share the same name and age are both celebrating after Sedbergh Junior School’s second unbeaten season for the their first team.

It means 26 consecutive wins, against prep schools in the North, Scotland and Midlands.

Ted Martin, 13, and Eddie Martin, 13, may not be related but they share a love of rugby and a desire to play at the highest level possible.

With this in mind, both started boarding at Sedbergh Junior School, Cumbria, last September and they both agree they’ve had plenty of high-level, technical play.

Ted Martin, a former Ghyll Royd pupil, plays loosehead prop.

He said: “The highlight for me was our 55-0 win at Cargifield in Scotland. We were expecting it to be a really tough game but with the level of technicality we are used to in training, we came away with an impressive victory.”

He added: “I wanted to come to Sedbergh because it’s the next step up from club rugby. The opposition starts to get harder and so your game is raised.”

Eddie Martin, 13, is a second row or flanker and vice-captain.

He said: “My brother came to a Brian Ashton coaching session at Sedbergh School rugby academy and then we both came here.

“We play tough rugby and I’ve improved so much. The coaching is what has got us to this level of success.

“At the end of the day, we all want to win but if someone makes a mistake, the team is really encouraging and it is well-led by captain Ed Whitehouse. He is very committed and focused.”

The team of 12 and 13 year olds won their final game of the season against Bilton Grange last weekend 47-5 and have been victorious in 26 consecutive matches.

Their 55-0 victory over Cargifield and 36-0 win at Ardvreck feature high on the list of memorable moments for the boys.

Beating Aysgarth School at home was another highlight according to head coach, Juan Gonzalez Mendia, after they lost the semi-final of the pre-season tournament by the toss of a coin.

The coach said: “Our main objective this year has been to improve the boys’ core skills and general understanding of the game, which forms an extremely important step in developing these young players.

“Training for our boys includes video analysis, an off-the-pitch programme with rugby books, classroom ‘theory’, strength and conditioning, early morning sessions for core strength, motor skills development, a swimming programme and individual and team feedback meetings.”

He added: “Ted and Eddie both came to us last season and since they have technically developed as well as improved their physical condition.”