Earlier this summer, Ajax captured the attention of sport fans across Europe by reaching the Europa League Final against Manchester United with an astonishing average squad age of 22 years old.

Victory was a step too far for them that day but one team in the North East is looking to go one better, and with an even younger squad.

Playing in the North East Premier Division, Cramlington Rockets’ 1st XIII needed victory over the 2015 Champions, Wallsend Eagles last Saturday to make history and reach their first ever Grand Final.

The Rockets have lost only three matches all season but two of them were against the Eagles. However, buoyed by the determination to right a disappointing loss the previous week against Jarrow Vikings, the Rockets showed true character and flair to win 32-16.

With an average squad age of only 19 this season, the starting XIII that day featured no less than nine teenagers, including Ryan Hull, an U16. No player was over 24 and 16 of the 20-man squad had come through the club’s youth system. They are staggering statistics.

Cramlington Rockets have developed quite a reputation for its youth set up and earlier this month had two players training with England Youth, more than even some Super League clubs.

The current squad boosts some highly talented players, including England Lionhearts, Matty Gordon, Jack Tait and Fraser Boldy and respective 2017 North East Player and Young Player of the Year nominees, Louis Platt. Redfern and Jack Redfern in particular has been integral, his boot and four tries contributing 25% of all the Rockets’ points this season.

This is made all the more impressive by the fact the Rockets have also seen eight players progress to the Newcastle Thunder U19s and thus unavailable for selection, including Thunder captain, David Weetman and England Youth international Jake Woods, both of whom have valid desires for a 1st team jersey next season.

“We’re happy to be proved wrong, but we truly believe that this is the youngest first team to reach a Grand Final in any of the top regional leagues across the UK” said Rockets Chairman, Jeff Ball.

“Our junior section has got a lot of attention in recent years and enjoyed a lot of success in terms of trophies and growth but we always wanted to do more with the open age set up.

It is the pinnacle of the club and we want U8s looking at the first team and saying ‘I want that to be me’”

An initial three year plan was formed in late 2015 and after making some solid progress last year, Newcastle Thunder Academy Coach, Dave Townend was brought in this season to take things to the next level.

“Dave understood the vision and has values that complement the clubs” continued Ball. “He was given free rein to build the support team he needed off the field and has really generated strong buy-in from the players.”

It’s been a real team effort, as shown by no less than 28 players crossing the white wash for the Rockets this season. Tellingly, three quarters of those tries have come from the backline, reflecting the energy and fitness befitting a side so young.

“The players understand we need a platform before we can go and do the fancy stuff” says Townend, busy making his preparations for the final on 19th August.

“Empowerment is a big thing and Saturday’s win was down to the fact we asked the players to be honest with themselves after arguably our worst performance of the season the week before.

Thankfully the soul searching paid off and we have now got a great opportunity. Whoever we play, we know it will be tough but given the talent in this squad its well within our grasp.”

Cramlington Rockets will play Wallsend Eagles in the Championship Grand Final at 3pm on 19th August at Monkton Stadium, Jarrow. The match will be preceded by the Shield Final between Catterick Crusaders and Gateshead Storm.

For more information about Cramlington Rockets’ 1st team, email info@cramlingtonrockets.co.uk.