Young basketball players from three York primary schools got their first taste of the competitive game in the city's first junior school tournament.

Two teams from Woodthorpe, two from Carr Junior and one from Acomb Primary battled it out in a round-robin format with four 16-minute games each. And Acomb came out on top with the most wins.

The tournament was launched to give young players a chance to compete against others following coaching sessions in the schools, which were led by coaches from York Vikings Basketball Club.

Ian Parnaby, schools' co-ordinator based at Oaklands Sports College, said: "It was an excellent event. Everything went really well and it turned out to be very successful."

Special portable nets that can be lowered were borrowed from Acomb school and several parents turned out to watch, with students from York St John and Oaklands School helping with scoring and refereeing.

The event is one of a number organised with the help of Oaklands School following its sport status achievement. A number of mini-tournaments arranged through the community 'hub' system, where primary schools are linked to a secondary school, have already taken place, including a five-a-side football competition.

Future events such as the annual tag rugby competition in April are also in the pipeline, with nearly all of the city's primary schools so far signing up.

Kick-start for campaign

After-school football is poised to make a return with the harsh weather easing off.

All primary league fixtures should be completed by April 3 when the league tables will be finalised.

Round two of the Primary Cup must be played by February 27.

Draw: Poppleton Road v St George's/ Our Lady, Hempland v English Martyrs, Woodthorpe v Ralph Butterfield, New Earswick v Fishergate, Knavesmire v Robert Wilkinson, Bishopthorpe v Lakeside, Dunnington/ Westfield v Haxby Road/ Osbaldwick/ St Mary's/ Poppleton Road.

Updated: 09:51 Wednesday, February 18, 2004