The Rugby League World Cup Performance

123 members of the choir provided pre-match entertainment and sang the anthems of England, New Zealand, Fiji and Australia on the hallowed turf of Wembley to 67,000 rugby league fans on a gloriously sunny day in North West London.

Singer songwriter Alistair Griffin opened the set with his Olympic inspired song “I Wish For You The World”, followed by a rendition of David Bowie’s “Heroes” to accompany the thank you to the Rugby League World Cup volunteers. “One Day Like This” was a perfect track to reflect the day, as were a rousing “Land of Hope and Glory” and “Jerusalem” as the cup and the teams took to the pitch. It was with great pride that the choir then performed the anthems of New Zealand and England, accompanied by the West End Star of Les Miserables, Dan Koek and led by world renowned conductor Haydn James.

The first semi-final was a tight run affair with England seconds from winning and making it to the final, only to be defeated by New Zealand in the dying seconds.

The choir then took to the pitch again and led the assembled crowd with the ever-popular “Delilah”, with soloist Christopher Killerby providing some killer vocals.

The anthems for Fiji and Australia were led by Richard and Adam of Britain’s Got Talent fame, but despite the rousing tune, Fiji sadly failed to score a point against fierce Antipodean opposition.

So, New Zealand and Australia will fight it out at Old Trafford for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup which will be an ever lasting memory for the choir and one of many future performances embodying the spirit of sport. Onwards!

Liz Stainthorpe - November 26, 2013