ORGANISER Leigh Paul-Rientoul reckons the York & District ARL coaches will have a hard job to pick their representative squad following the cracking 'State of Yorigin II' clash.

Another healthy crowd saw York West edge out York East 26-24 at the neutral venue of York RUFC's Clifton Park, in the second challenge match between players from either side of the River Ouse.

As reported by The Press, the game - which saw former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain star Barrie McDermott hand out the awards - this year plays part of the selection process for the York & District rep team that will take on York City Knights in a pre-season fixture at Christmas, likely to take place on Boxing Day.

They will also go to France next year, with other tours and rep matches afoot.

Said Paul-Rientoul: "It's going to be pretty difficult to pick that squad - we're not looking forward to upsetting one or two people or leaving them out.

"It was a really good day. There were 300 to 400 people there, which is a healthy crowd for an amateur game.

"Barrie McDermott came down and really enjoyed himself and Alex Simmons from (television programme) Rugby AM did a few interviews with the coaches and players. It was good for the lads really, and for the youngsters who were there."

Whereas in last year's inaugural challenge match, when West built a healthy lead but had to hang on in the end for a 22-20 victory after an East comeback, this game was more nip and tuck.

East scored first but West led 10-6 at half-time. The second period was similarly ding-dong.

"It was really close," said Paul-Rientoul, the York Acorn ARLC head coach who was in charge of the West team.

"It was a bit of 'squeaky bum time' for us again, just like last year. To be honest it could have gone either way.

"To say people were playing out of season now, it was a really good effort from both teams.

"We had 25 players in our squad and it was a shame three of them didn't get a run. There were 50 in all so it was a bit manic with players going off and on but I still think it was a great spectacle."

The West team featured players from Acorn and York Lokomotive.

Their try-scorers were Acorn's Antony Chilton, Jordan Potter, Matty Downes and Jack Byrnes (2), with Chilton adding three conversions.

The East team comprised players from New Earswick All Blacks and Heworth, plus a couple from Selby Warriors and Phil Gobby from the University of York.

Gobby was one of their try-scorers, along with All Blacks' Sean Malarkey (2) and Heworth's Jake Atkinson, with Tyler Craig adding all four conversions.

Former Heworth junior Craig, the ex-York City Knights threequarter who was with League One rivals Newcastle Thunder this year, was allowed to play as he is currently out of contract in the pro game, although he is rumoured to be in talks about extending his stay on Tyneside.

The under-13s curtain-raiser, meanwhile, saw York Acorn U13s regain the Challenge Shield with a narrow victory over holders Heworth U13s.

* TICKETS are still available for York Acorn's presentation night to be held at the York Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road on Friday, starting at 7pm. The suit-and-tie event includes a two-course meal and a turn by guest speaker Lee Briers, the former Warrington and Great Britain half-back. Tickets cost £30 and are available from coach Leigh Paul-Rientoul on 07854 378293.