POCKLINGTON School's Rob Webber is keeping his feet on the ground after his shock call-up into the England Under-18s.

Webber only represented England U16s last season, but a change of position from prop to hooker and a little bit of specialised coaching from England front-rower Mark Regan, has seen him catapulted up the age groups a year early.

The 16-year-old is now looking forward to representing his country against Leicester Tigers U19s in a warm-up match next month, before tasting international rugby against France, Wales and Ireland in April.

Webber told Scrum Down: "It was a bit of a shock, especially as I've changed position from prop to hooker, but I'm very pleased.

"Playing at prop has benefited me because I was bigger than the other hookers at the trials. I just have to work on my throwing-in now as I've found that difficult, but I'm improving all the time."

Webber, who is still very much associated to home-town club Pocklington and coaches with the junior section on Sundays when he can, now plays his rugby for the Leeds Tykes Academy, with the Premiership and international class at Headingley rubbing off on the youngster.

"They've helped me loads," he said. "I've had sessions with Mark (Regan) and the other hookers at the club, while the England coach (Simon Hardy) who comes up and helps Mark also coached me in the summer."

Webber will line-up against the French at Coventry on April 5, before travelling to face the Welsh at Ebbw Vale a week later and then crossing the Irish Sea to Dublin to take on Ireland on April 20.

Webber, whose brother Matt props for Loughborough University first XV despite being in his first year and is a member of the Yorkshire U20s squad, follows another ex Pock Schoolboy Diccon Edwards into making it into England U18s.

Wakefield flier Edwards, who still lives in the area, went on to play for England Colts, U23s and 'B' team before switching allegiance first to Wales, where he picked at 'B' team level again, and then to rugby league, where he was finally capped while playing for Castleford Tigers.

Another ex-Pock boy, Dan Clappison, who had a brief stint back at Percy Road last season before returning to Otley, was capped at England Colts level.

POCKLINGTON'S Richard Booth, who is studying at Newcastle University, helped get Yorkshire Under-20s County Championship campaign off to a winning start with a try in their 37-10 victory over Cumbria.

Centre Booth, in the squad alongside local colleagues Henry Mitchell, Matt Webber, Richard Pike, Matthew Stockdale and Richard Davies, was one of six try-scorers in the convincing victory.

Yorkshire now take their challenge to Northern RUFC tomorrow where they will face Northumberland.

THERE has also been success in the Yorkshire Under-17s for some of the regions up-and-coming stars.

Bradford Bold (Pocklington and Woldgate School), Simon Cammack (Harrogate and Queen Ethleburga's) and Sam Potrykus (Harrogate) helped Yorkshire to a 41-5 rout over Durham, while York RI's Craig Garnett scored for the U17s Clubs as they beat Bridlington 24-0.

South African speedster Bold has only been in the country of about a year after moving from his homeland, but he has already made a big impression with my sources at the Percy Road club describing him as 'seriously quick'.

The U17s will now face the Scottish Exiles on March 9, before travelling to Scunthorpe to take on Notts, Lincs and Derbs on March 16.

BY 5pm next Saturday, Malton and Norton will know exactly what they need to do if they are to join the Yorkshire One ranks next season.

The Gannock-based club are due to take on Northallerton next week, but while they be focused on maximum points, they will be following news from the top of the table clash between West Park Bramhope and leaders Keighley with great interest.

Third-placed Malton got their promotion push back on track with a superb 25-12 win over West Park last Saturday.

The victory moved Malton to within four points of their Leeds rivals, who currently occupy the second promotion place, but Pat Stephenson's side have a game in hand.

And with leaders Keighley set to travel to the Sycamores, they could find themselves well and truly back in the mix.

The free-scoring talents of Malton mean that they already have a better points difference than West Park - despite having played a game less - so victory for Keighley and two points from their match in hand against Skipton on March 8 would see them move into second spot.

Whatever happens, Malton know they must win all their remaining five matches - and even if West Park can beat Keighley, the race remains open with a trip to the Yorkshire Two table-toppers set for March 15.

THINGS remain slightly more straight forward for the promotion bid of York.

The Clifton Parkers currently occupy the second promotion spot - although whether they go up could still go down to a play-off at the end of the season - and with four games to go, look sure things to finish second behind Bridlington.

However, York's breathing space of four points was slashed in half last week as Old Brodleians stuttered past bottom club Sheffield Tigers to win their game in hand.

IT is that time of year again, when minds start looking towards the delights of the seven-a-side game.

The Pocklington Sevens at Easter is sure to be the biggest event on the local calendar, but there is also the Atlas Ward Structures North Riding Senior Sevens at Scarborough in May.

The Newby-based tournament is spread over May 10-11 with sections for under-16s, ladies and men.

Teams confirmed for the 2003 men's section, which has a prize fund of £5,000 is sponsored by Epic, include the reigning champions Samurai, Marauders, Skyrunners, The Sharks, West Indies Exiles and Wakefield.

Entry cost is adults £3 on Saturday and £4 on Sunday. Weekend passes are available for £5, while accompanied children under 16 entry for free.

ANOTHER of the tournaments approaching on the horizon is the ever-popular York Veterans Festival, which will be held at Clifton Park on Sunday, April 13.

The tournament, in its fourth season and catering for the more 'mature' players, was won by Driffield last season after they toppled Ray Adamson's Selby charges in the final.

There is fun for all the family, with entertainment throughout the day.

For more details, contact organiser Tim Godson on 01904 706763 or email tim.godson@ukgateway.net

Updated: 10:46 Saturday, February 22, 2003