Committed Harrogate Ladies College lacrosse player Natalie Woods has won selection to the Under-19 England team.

The defence specialist was picked after attending trials in Hertfordshire the day after realising she was eligible for the England training programme.

She said: "Being chosen for England is a dream I've had since I was 11 and I still can't believe it's come true. The PE staff at school have been fantastic in the way they've supported me, as have my parents who have given up much of their time to take me to all the training sessions and matches."

Woods will take the field for the first time in England colours on March 19 in Edinburgh in matches against Scotland and Wales.

She is currently studying for four 'A'-levels and is the school games captain, pulling on the school kit in swimming, athletics, rounders and netball matches.

Her next goal is to become a member of the England senior lacrosse team and pursue her other dream - to become a sports journalist.

Nicky Butters, head of PE at the college, said: "Everyone at Harrogate Ladies' College is delighted with Natalie's success. The standard of lacrosse in the UK has improved enormously in the last few years and it's extremely difficult to get an England place.

"Natalie is a great example of the qualities you need to succeed in sport at a high level - talent, dedication, enthusiasm and commitment."

York Under-11 schoolboys footballers had a grey day as they slumped to a worst ever defeat to rivals Leeds.

Previous U11 squads have managed to hold their sway over their neighbours but the latest bid failed as Leeds ran away with a 7-1 win, Dan Wilson securing the sole consolation.

York will be hoping for a return to winning ways on Saturday when they entertain Derby at Wigginton Sports & Social club, players to meet with £3 subs at 9.45am for a 10.30am start.

U11s (from): Jack Anderson, James Hall, Sean Evans, Patrick Evans, Lewis Rhodes, Ash Taylor, Jack Ryder, Josh Poulter, Elliot Frodsham, Paul Winterburn, James Robinson, Liam Jackson, Tom Allen, Jack Littlechild, Dan Wilson, Harry McMillan, Josh Stilgoe.

The U12s also face Derby at Wigginton, kick off 10.30am.

U12s (from): Wilson, Dale, Yeoman, Quantock, Platt, Kite, McCormick, Hudson, Gabbiadini, Simpson, Gore, Wickham, Wilstop, Binns, Holt. Bring £3 subs and contact Matt Gore on 07767 224460 if unavailable.

Adopting a novel attacking formation gave York U13s schoolboys the upper hand against Leeds to earn a 1-1 draw.

James Edmond and George Bissett both went close for the travelling York side while, at the other end of the pitch, 'keeper Tom Young pulled off a stunning double save from a corner to keep Leeds out.

But they found a gap with three minutes to go to lead 1-0 until York's equaliser came after Andy Lee burst through and hit home a low shot.

York U13s go to Hull on Saturday. Players to meet at B&Q on Hull Road at 8.50am and are asked to contact Chris on 01904 339759 or 07940 174254 to confirm availability.

U13s (from): A Thornton, W Pepper, M Dale, J Edmond, J Whaite, J Kilmartin, J Stuart, G Bissett, A Lee, D Conricode, S Jarman, N Kiernan, T Richardson and T Young.

The U14s schoolboys are also at Hull, meeting at the same time and place as the U13s.

U14s (from): C Barrat, J Dixon, B Bulmer, R O'Reilly, A Scorefield, G Riley, N Thompson, M Shepherd, D Cates, A Macmahon, L Bond, J Dale and D Montgomery. Call Brendan on 01904 632868 to confirm availability.

St Peter's sixth-form tennis team are just two matches away from the National LTA senior school finals.

The U19s qualified from the group stages by beating Joseph Rowntree School, Boston Spa, Wetherby and St Mary's School, Ilkley to go through to the quarter-final knockout stages against Barnard Castle School indoors at Next Generation Club, York. The national finals featuring the country's top eight schools will be at the Bolton Arena from April 2-9.

Two sports courses have been announced at Lady Lumley's School in Pickering. A level one basketball coaching certificate will go ahead in May, and a level one hockey umpiring course has been scheduled for March. Anyone interested is asked to call the PE department on 01751 470038.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, March 01, 2006