THE letter W was to the fore in the CPP Challenge Cup qualifying stage run by York City in the Community.

Wigginton and Wilberfoss primary school teams came through their respective groups at York City’s Wigginton-based training ground.

They will now be joined in the semi-finals of the football tournament by the two qualifiers from Selby and Ryedale – Escrick and Norton Community Primary School.

All four will be in action before City’s Blue Square Bet Premier clash against Histon on Saturday, March 26.

The York battle for those places pitted 16 of the area’s primary school football teams against each other.

The schools played in four leagues to find a winning team from each of the school partnerships – Ebor and Jorvik.

The Ebor partnership leagues came down to a final between Lord Deramore’s and Wilberfoss finally determined by a penalty shootout won by Wilberfoss.

In the Jorvik partnership leagues, two teams were tied before goal difference resulted in a final between Park Grove and Wigginton, the latter taking the honours with a slender 1-0 triumph.

Said Paula Stainton, York City in the Community co-ordinator: “Our community coaches have visited many of the schools taking part this year and offered extra coaching for their teams, and the standard of play seemed to be even higher this year with some very closely fought games and results.

“We were also delighted to see some of the previous year’s Challenge Cup winners, Park Grove and Dunnington, wearing their winning kit donated by community sponsors and local employers, CPP.”

She thanked the volunteers from St Peter’s School, while the proceeds from hot drinks and snacks will be added to the running total for York City’s nominated charities for this season, Lollipop and St Leonard’s Hospice.