HANLEY Castle High School year 8 rugby team are joint county champions after a successful North Midlands Emerging Schools tournament.

Hanley progress into the regional finals with joint champions Droitwich High School after winning four and drawing one of their five round robin matches.

St Bedes held Hanley to a 10-10 draw but they defeated Blackminster 20-0, Franche 10-0, Ridgeway 5-0 and Ipsey Middle 20-0.

Player of the tournament Charlie Smith scored seven of Hanley's tries with two each for Ben Taylor, Jack Bottemly and Josh Brookes and one for Josh Baker.