THE change in the relationship between the rugby codes over recent years was highlighted this week when three former pupils of St Peter's School, York, made notable strides in the 13-a-side world.

St Peter's, of course, is one of those schools with a very strong tradition in rugby union - note their continued success with their under-18s team reaching a Twickenham final - so it was particularly notable to see three of their old boys star in the televised PCubed Rugby League Varsity Match for Cambridge University against Oxford.

They were winger Indraneil Basu, scrum-half Alex Drysdale and hooker Nick Rusling, the team's vice-captain.

Not too long ago, the trio - and most of the players on the pitch - would have been shunned by many in the union code for playing rugby league, but now they are lauded for their abilities in the running code.

It is also interesting to note that the star of the show, Drysdale, who led the Light Blues' stunning comeback, has stated his new-found preference for the 13-a-side game.

THE Knights' National League Two rivals, Sheffield, have reportedly strengthened their forward power by taking Mitchell Stringer back to the Don Valley Stadium.

Stringer had been with Super League club London Broncos but left them last week saying he wanted to move back to the north.

PICK-UP points and times for the free First York buses taking fans to tomorrow's game at Huntington Stadium are:

2pm Thanet Road (outside Edmund Wilson Baths), 2.15pm Stonebow (outside Job Centre); 2pm Burton Stone Lane (Corner House), 2.15pm Lowther Street (shops); 2pm wait at Railway Station forecourt, departs 2.20pm. Return buses leave the stadium 15 minutes after the final hooter.

Updated: 09:12 Saturday, March 05, 2005