LOCAL lad Jack Stearman revealed winning promotion with his home town club had not sunk in yet, writes Steve Carroll.

The York-born prop forward said it was “hard to describe the feeling” after York’s 25-4 Championship One play-off final victory over Oldham.

Stearman spent four years in York’s academy and had a recent spell with amateurs New Earswick before breaking into the first team in April. He has been a key part of Knights head coach Dave Woods’ plans and, having watched in agony as York lost their only other final appearance in heartbreaking fashion to Halifax six years ago, he was delighted to be on the winning side.

“It is hard to describe the feeling. When we were celebrating at pitch-side, it did not feel like it had sunk in,” he said.

“To win a Grand Final is unbelievable. Credit to the lads, we have all deserved it, and to Dave Woods as well and James Ratcliffe, who put the team together. You can’t forget him.”

After admitting to a shaky start to the game, Stearman came into his own in the second-half and produced a series of the line-busting runs which have made him such a favourite with the Knights fans.

“In the first half, I came on and it was probably the worst I have played all season,” he said. “I dropped a couple of balls. It got under my skin a bit, but the second half I forgot about it and just played my own game. The go-forward proved vital I think.

“York is in my blood but, this year, it means more to me because this season is my fifth at York and we fought well as a team. That means so much – to do it for your mates and for your family. I have made some good friends throughout the year, like Jordan Ross and Jack Lee just to name a couple, and hopefully we will be prosperous next year.”

Stearman believes he can be a success in the Championship next season and is looking forward to the challenge. He said: “We’ll have a hard pre-season. We have to keep players in the team and it is a whole new year.

“I have got to be ready for Championship rugby and a good pre-season with Dave will give me that. He’s got belief in me and there is no reason I can’t believe in myself. I think I can do it.”