YORK and District Schools' netballers showed their superiority at the first of three inter-area tournaments at the weekend.

The Under-19 and U16 sides won all their games while the U14s lost only to hosts Harrogate and District.

The tournament was held at Rossett High School and York made a flying start with the U19s beating Harrogate 13-4 with well timed dodges and accurate shooting from Gabby Barr (Queen Margaret's) and Jenny Bailey (Joseph Rowntree) a feature.

A shaky start in their game against Scarborough Ryedale saw them trail 7-3 at half time but outstanding centre court play from Joseph Rowntree trio Helen Jamieson, Heather Welsh, and Katie Caffrey took York to a 10-8 victory.

York made it a hat-trick of wins by defeating Hambleton Richmondshire 16-5. Excellent defensive play by Kelley Cameron (JR) and Rosie Staveley (QM) prevented Hambleton from scoring in the second half.

York's player of the tournament was Rosie Staveley from Queen Margaret's.

The newly formed U16 team also enjoyed a hat-trick of wins.

They started with a convincing 13-4 victory against Scarborough Ryedale which saw good shooting from Annie Galbraith (QM) and Huntington's Helen Dunmore.

They were drawing 3-3 at the halfway stage against Harrogate Craven but goal keeper Cecily Snaggs prevented Harrogate scoring in the second half and York pushed on to victory.

Hambleton were then beaten 13-10 in a close encounter with superb centre court play from Millthorpe's Emma Stone, who was voted player of the tournament, proving decisive.

York's U14s enjoyed victories against Scarborough and Hambleton/Richmondshire.

Shooter Annie Roberts (JR) and wing defense Ranui Harmer (All Saints) did well for York while shooter Amy Bell settled down after a nervous start.

Megan Dunn worked hard in centre court and good defensive work from Olivia Laurenson and Chloe Shipley (JR) helped to clinch a 10-6 victory against Scarborough.

An 11-4 defeat against Harrogate followed despite the tireless work of centre Natalie Klays (AS).

But York bounced back to beat Hambleton/Richmondsire 12-7. Shooter Ashleigh Glew slotting some good goals while All Saints team mate Alex Kilbride made some well timed interceptions in defence.

Helen Jones worked hard in centre court and Natalie Klays, a year younger than most girls in the age group, was voted player of the tournament.

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, December 08, 2004