IN-FORM New Earswick All Blacks Under-11s became only the second team to beat a powerful Kippax team - but the victory was tempered by a terrible injury to Connor Thirlway.

Forward Joel Johnson crossed twice in the 34-22 win, including a length-of-the-field try, to break the individual most-tries-in-a-season record for the team just halfway through the campaign, with 38 touchdowns from just 13 games.

However, Thirlway, who also got a try, then suffered his injury which included a fracture just below the knee and also major ligament and cartilage damage.

It is thought he will be unable to walk for three months following surgery - but nevertheless he has vowed to be out of hospital and watching his team's derby game against York Acorn U11s on Saturday.

"It was a terrible injury for an 11-year-old, we were all gutted for him, but he's got the strength of character to be back," said coach Mark Johnson. "We hope he will be back playing as soon as possible."

Dean Layton was man of the match after topping the tackle count and scoring twice. Most improved player Jake Atkinson also crossed and goals came from Johnson, Layton, Tom Barron and Pool.

All New improvement

New Earswick All Blacks U16s gave a much-improved display to beat Kings Cross 28-10.

First-half tries came from Jack Goodaker in the corner and Thomas Mackley, while the best try of the game came after the break as Goodaker finished a fine set.

Further tries came from close range by Thomas Hodgson and Jack Stearmen, while Thomas Mackley, Stephen Mackley and Danny Allen (2) added goals.

New Earswick All Blacks U13s continued their rise up their league table with an 18-4 victory over the previously unbeaten Wakefield Westgate.

An impressive defensive effort was led by top tacklers Jack Hodgson and Luke Watling, while tries came from Nick Speck (2), man of the match Adam Caddie and Kayle Stannard.

This final victory before the Christmas break took the team's unbeaten run to nine matches.

Under-10s break duck

A GOOD team display saw York Acorn U10s enjoy their first win of the season against Whinmoor.

Jordan Lawrence and Stephen Derbyshire got their first tries for the club with Ryan Gallacher (3), Karl Read (2) and Tim Winn (2) also crossing, while goals came from man of the match Liam Bedford, Duffell, Jack Appleby, Robert Leathem, and Lawrence.

York Acorn U15s gave a superb display to beat Victoria Rangers 14-4.

Defences were on top until Rangers scored just before half-time, but after the break Acorn's pressure brought a fine try as Wes Potter's kick was caught by Sam Allmark to score.

Dean Wardell increased the lead wide out, while Lee Botterill superbly converted both tries and added a late penalty to complete the victory.

York Acorn U12s were defeated 14-0 by Walton in an error-strewn game.

Acorn's top player was Stuart Leeke, while most improved was Jordan Hyde.

Lewis treble

IMI Lewis scored a first-half hat-trick as Heworth U15s beat Dewsbury Celtic 32-4.

Heworth started slowly but eventually found their feet with skipper Gareth Watson also crossing and Potter adding goals for a 24-4 interval lead.

Sound defence held Celtic at bay and Sullivan crossed for two second-half tries to put the result beyond doubt.

Stirling Mackarel and Nick James shone with other notable performances by Chris Peace, Watson and Stevie Huller.

Brave Warriors

SELBY Warrors Under-11s played well in a 25-6 defeat against a well organised Knottingley team.

Prop forwards Kurt Cookson (man of the match) and Luke Liddle made several good runs and put in a good tackling performance, but found it impossible to break down a solid Knottingley defence.

Coach's choice Carl Wilkinson also put in a determined tackling performance. Training restarts after the Christmas break on Wednesday, January 7, 6pm to 7pm.

The new fixture list will be issued after the break.

Updated: 10:11 Wednesday, December 17, 2003