Last updated 19:28, Thursday, 27 November 2008

STAINBURN School, Workington have reached the fourth round of the Daily Mail Schools Vase competition after an outstanding victory at Giggleswick.

The 35-14 win, added to the form the U15s have shown this year, has raised hopes of a good run in the competition.

Coach Malcolm Brown believes this is the best school team at this age group since the early 1990s when some talented individuals took them well along the way to Twickenham.

Brown said: “Giggleswick are a good rugby school and we beat them quite convincingly so we are hopeful. We have some decent players in this group.

“We are still waiting to find out who we play in the next round. We will either be going to Lancaster Royal Grammar School or Meadowhead in Sheffield.”

Back in 1991 Stainburn reached the quarter-final of the cup competition when they lost out 21-19 at Bedford Modern. That was before the vase competition was introduced.

At Giggleswick, Stainburn were clear winners, with tries from Brett Symes (2), Jack Todhunter (2), Jordan Taylor (2) and Tom Hutton.

Chris Tomlinson converted four and Stephen Clark improved one.

The vase is open to early round losers in the main cup competition where Stainburn were beaten by Cockermouth.

In fact, Cockermouth lost their next match and are also in the vase, where they are due to play Queen Katherine School from Kendal.

The winners of that will host Ullswater Community College or King Edward VII & Queen Mary School, Lytham St Anne’s.

Whitehaven are the sole survivors in the main U15 cup competition.

In the U18 vase, Keswick drew 8-8 with Kirkbie Kendal and the eventual winners will host Trinity, Carlisle in round three.