FORMER York Wasps star Paul McDermott enjoyed a fruitful return to his old stomping ground at Huntington Stadium as the amateur side he now coaches won the mini-tournament held there.

Crigglestone, of Pennine League division one, topped the table after the round-robin series of matches, with York Groves, who had organised the event, finishing as runners-up.

The success of the tournament, meanwhile, means Groves are now keen to make it an annual pre-season event.

Terriers secretary Ian Colley said: "It went very well and quite a lot of people attended.

"It was the first time we had staged a mini-tournament and we were pleased with how it went. There's a likelihood that it will be held annually."

Wyke, who, like Groves, play in Pennine League division four, finished third with Ryehill Hammers, of the Yorkshire League, bottom.

The player of the tournament was Crigglestone's Stuart Turton, while Ryehill's Michael Irwin earned his side consolation by winning the sprint race, which was held as an aside to the rugby.

Groves player-coach Simon Moat, who had done a lot of the work to organise the event, agreed it was a success.

"It was an excellent day," he said. "All the teams enjoyed it, there was good rugby on show and everybody had a good time."

The tournament, sponsored by PP Snack Foods, saw round-robin matches of 15 minutes each way, with Crigglestone winning all their games.

The trophies were presented by York RL supporters' trust leader Gary Hall, while in turn Groves held a collection for the new professional York club.

The Huntington Stadium is the planned home of that new club, should they get enough cash to make it into the Rugby Football League, and Colley added: "It was an excellent day, keeping rugby alive at the Huntington Stadium.

"Groves wish every success to York RL and their supporters in the quest to keep professional rugby league alive in the city."

RESULTS

York Groves 6, Crigglestone 18; Ryehill Hammers 6, Wyke 10; Groves 12, Ryehill 0; Wyke 4 Crigglestone 28; Groves 26, Wyke 6; Ryehill 0, Crigglestone 18.

Updated: 12:07 Tuesday, August 13, 2002