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Our Craig is the pride of the North

27/ 2/2001

RU: A YOUNG rising rugby star has tackled the best and come out on top by being picked to play for the North of England squad.

Tytherington High School student Craig Williams, 16, of Cedar Way, Bollington, has only played the game for two years - but already his talents have seen him attend trials for the England youth team.

In his earlier years, Craig's favourite sport was football. But with a beefcake physique - which includes a strapping 50in chest - he decided to have a crack at rugby.

"I used to play a lot of football, but then I got fed up," he said.

Now the teenager is looking forward to the excitement of his first North of England squad match, against the Midlands in March.

Parents Sue and Paul are proud of their son's achievements.

Sue said: "Craig is very powerful, and he has a real talent."

Unfortunately, Craig's efforts to get into the England youth team were not successful, but he has high hopes of being picked for the trials next year.

And Craig, whose fast sprinting pace is an asset to his position of prop forward, is hoping to win a scholarship to allow him to study at a rugby-playing school.

Yet he is now concentrating on the approaching Midlands game by working on a demanding training scheme, which includes gym work and running sessions near his home in Bollington, come rain or shine.

Craig, who also plays for Cheshire and cites Jason Leonard as his rugby hero, was surprised to have been picked for the squad.

He said: "I just want to enjoy my rugby and see if I can make the best of this opportunity."

And his PE teacher, Andy Walter, added: "Craig is a special talent, and if that talent is nurtured correctly there is no reason why he can't progress right to the top."