CAPTAIN Emma Hardy has led Yorkshire Under-15s to a second successive Northern County Rugby Union Championship.

Hardy’s team were undefeated in matches against Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham and Northumbria, with Hardy collecting the winners’ shield.

Hardy, who lives near Easingwold, was again selected for the North of England team, representing the North against the South East in a narrow 12-10 defeat and against the Midlands, a game which ended in 12-12.

The teenager plays her club rugby at Castleford RUFC, with her team becoming National Champions.

After beating Morpeth to claim the Northern area title, Cas won a semi-final competition by defeating teams from Newark and Worcester without conceding a point.

They then travelled to Staffordshire to play a team from Devon in the final, showing great flair to win 36-5 to be crowned champions of England.

John Hardy, Emma’s father, said: “She now has the opportunity to continue her development in the U18s age group next season.

“After her GCSEs, she is hoping to enter an apprenticeship in sporting excellence programme at Bishop Burton College.

“It has been a great season for Emma and we wish her luck in the future.”