Patton brothers both enjoy Wembley success

James Messenger

Warrington half-back Dec Patton wasn’t the only member of his family celebrating at Wembley last weekend as his younger brother lifted silverware in the Champions School Finals. 

Great Sankey High School, coached by Patton’s father Lee Westwood, toppled Standish High School of Wigan 10-8, with Junior Westwood lifting the trophy at Wembley.

Despite being behind in the closing stages, two quickfire tries from Josh Cowell and Lucas Mulqueeney were enough to see the Warrington-based school home.

The Champion Schools Final is open to all secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales, with teams taking part in local and regional competitions.

The national stages of the event began earlier this year, with Great Sankey and Standish progressing through a first round, quarter-final and semi-final clash before reaching the curtain-raiser at Wembley.

“Last year, Junior was mascot for Dec when he walked out at Wembley so that was a very proud moment,” Lee Westwood said.

“Rugby’s been in the family’s blood since I was young. I coached Dec at Latchford Albion before becoming his scholarship coach at Warrington Wolves.

“Then my youngest son [Junior] came along and he wanted to start playing aged 6.

“I said I’d never do it again but there was no coach to coach them and he was tempted to go and play football, so I thought I don’t want that!

“I’ll take over, so I’ve been with his team at Crosfields ever since really. To see Junior following in his big brother’s footsteps is a really proud dad moment.”

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