Rugby League was the winner when the X-League Grand Prix series came to Oldham last weekend.
41 players from four sides took part, with Oldham St Anne's emerging as overall winner of an event played with a competitive edge but in the fun and friendly spirit of X-League.
Warrington Titans came a close second, and the Player of the Day award went to their own Adele Probert – the day’s only female player and one whose confidence and ability have skyrocketed in 2024.
Oldham Owls’ Matt Park provided the day’s Magic Moment, while the Team of the Tournament accolade went to West Oxfordshire Levellers, who fully deserve a notable mention having travelled by far the furthest to take part.
The Levellers’ Caspar Morris said:
“We left West Oxfordshire around 8am and played three games of 20 minutes, 10 minutes each way. This doesn't sound much, however for my 49 year old body I feel like I’ve had a workout!
“After the tournament we socialised with the other players before returning to our hotel and back home the next day.
“I’ve played X-League for West Oxfordshire Levellers since the beginning of 2023. I was encouraged by my little brother Jake to do something to keep me fit over the summer during the rugby union off season. Since I've joined, I have loved every minute of it.
“The Grand Prix are always played with the ethos of fun and inclusion. I've even turned up to one of these before on my own with my son, and played for another side just to keep the game going and join in. Whilst they are fairly informal there is structure, so if you are playing for fun it's great, however if you want to be more competitive then there is that element to it.
“Everyone involved is really friendly and they're my type of people, rugby people! I've made friends for life whilst enjoying playing a really inclusive game. I would highly recommend anyone thinking of starting or finishing their rugby career, or somebody looking for something to do in the off-season try X-League. You will find there is still some more rugby left in you.”
To find out more information about X-League Rugby League, click here.
