YORK High School starlets have stormed into the quarter-finals of the Rugby League Champion Schools Year 11 tournament - becoming the first school from the city to ever reach this stage of the competition.

York - coached by teacher Chris Langley, the former York City Knights, Huddersfield, Batley and Dewsbury centre - beat Wigan powerhouses St Mary's 24-8 in the last 16 of what is the biggest schools competition in the country.

Headteacher David Ellis said it was the best result the school has enjoyed in any sport since opening nine years ago.

“This is a truly fantastic result," said Ellis.

"St Mary's are nationally renowned for their rugby league teams and for our lads to produce such a comprehensive victory is a real testament to the commitment, skill and team spirit that coach Chris Langley has developed.

"This win is undoubtedly the best sporting result we have had since York High opened in 2007.”

St Mary's comprised a number of players in scholarships at Super League giants Wigan and St Helens but York High dominated the early exchanges and their aggressive defence made life difficult for the Lancastrians.

Harrison Todd’s superb conversion from the touchline after York’s first try put them into a lead which they never relinquished.

St Mary's continued to threaten but enthusiastic defending was too much for them to break down until the 25th minute. York High dominated the second half and Dan Byworth, who was outstanding throughout, barged his way over the line to seal the victory.

There was huge tension in the latter stages of the game but York High remained composed and stuck to the task in hand.

The quarter-finals will take place in early March after the half-term break and given their current form and team spirit they are eyeing even further progress.

Wrote Langley on Facebook: "Proud of my boys - just beaten a team full of St Helens/Wigan scholarship players!"