Head of Year 8 and PE teacher Mr Crook travelled to France last weekend and captained Rochdale Hornets in a shock win over Toulouse to earn promotion to the Rugby League Championship.  Rochdale were trailing 16-0 after 20 minutes but came back to inflict the French side’s first league defeat of the season.  The match ended 22-24 in Rochdale’s favour, a phenomenal result under the circumstances.

It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this victory:

• Visiting a team with an unbeaten record
• Having to travel to France, where home victories seem almost routine
• Trailing by 16 points
• Needing to win to gain promotion

Mr Crook showed the leadership qualities that the best captains should by scoring 3 conversions and a penalty; this makes him the highest points scorer in Rochdale Hornets’ history, beating a record which has stood for 81 years (1,497 points). His commitment to the club has been exemplary, and he is a great role model for aspiring players.

Congratulations Mr Crook; I think we can say that Rugby League at Hope Academy is in safe hands with our very own sporting hero.