Compiled by Peter Wilmott

A long trip to the valleys of South Wales awaits York Schools' Under-16s team after their 24-12 victory over Scarborough in rugby league's NAS/UWT English Schools' Plate competition.

York made sure of the win five minutes from time in heavy rain at Heworth after the much postponed game was finally given the go-ahead.

The York boys were first on the scoresheet when strong running from Ben Henson and Danny Wilks led to a try for Nic Caldwell, Craig Fox adding the extras.

Fox made York's pressure count when he ran on to a kick through to score the second try, which he also converted.

In the second half York added two more tries through Caldwell and Couttie, with an assured display from new full back Brandan Aherne keeping Scarborough at bay.

The best moment of the match came when a strong run by Scarborough's impressive prop Nick Burgess was brought to a halt by a big hit from York skipper Caldwell.

Scarborough maintained their momentum and second row Martin Pennock broke through twice to score, both tries being converted by Paul Flynn, to bring them back into the match.

York made the game safe when Henson went over for an unconverted try five minutes from the end.

York will next take on South Wales Schools in a game likely to be played at Aberdare on March 6.

York Schools will be a launching a new under-15 team in the next few weeks to play in the Dennis Davis Competition along with Castleford, Doncaster, Sheffield and Hull.

The first trials will be held at Acorn's Thanet Road ground next Wednesday at 6.30pm.

The team will be coached by Barry Gargan and is in need of sponsors.

New players and sponsors should contact David Milburn at Barlby High School or telephone 01757 288570.

York Schools' Under-11s rugby league team were beaten 30-18 by Dewsbury/Batley Schools despite a much improved performance in their second league game.

Captain Liam Gargan led from the front, ably assisted by the strong running of David Richmond and hard working Ben Potter.

New faces Carl Harton and Anthony Evans showed promise and Ross Divorty had an influential game at stand-off.

Tom Hodgson (St Aelred's) worked hard and was rewarded with two tries which he also goaled, while there was also a try and goal for Ben Potter.

The York boys will be looking to pick up their first win of the season from their remaining two games.

Rising soccer star Matthew Kilgallon is currently weighing up an offer of a three-year scholarship with Premiership giants Leeds United.

Kilgallon, 15, signed schoolboy forms for United last year and is already playing for the club's Under-16 side.

Leeds bosses have been so impressed by the Appleton Roebuck teenager that they have moved quickly to try to secure his services to their Football Academy when he leaves Tadcaster Grammar School next year.

Bootham School net double joy

Bootham School's young hoop stars are new kings of the basketball court.

The York independent school enjoyed success at the double in the York and District schools' basketball finals, held recently at St Peter's School.

In the Under-16 final, Bootham beat York's All Saints' RC School 52-21.

And in the Under-15 head-to-head, Bootham pipped Boston Spa 35-32.

Bootham School (lighter kit) and Bostan Spa players challenge for the ball in their under-15 match at York and district schools' basketball finals.

Bootham School's Under-15 team which triumphed at the York and District schools' basketball finals. Back row (from the left): C Twyman, C Kelly, B Orton, A Ndzinga, S Franklin. Front row: T Newby, C Bates, B Tse, L Borton.

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