YORK RL legend Richie Hayes' influence is already rubbing off on the junior team he now coaches.

The mighty prop forward, who retired from the professional game this year, has begun coaching the under-14s at New Earswick All Blacks - the amateur club with whom he began his rugby career - and they have started the season in scorching fashion, with a gala triumph and two league wins.

He has just taken his Rugby Football League club coaching qualification, and fellow under-14s coach James Lancaster said he had been "a revelation" with the young side.

"As you can imagine he gives training 100 per cent even when he joins in with touch and pass, and he is very committed to getting the best out of the boys," he said.

"All the boys watched him play at York City Knights so they hang on his every word."

Having won the New Earswick Gala, defeating Heworth, York Acorn and Victoria Rangers without conceding a try, the young All Blacks got their Yorkshire Junior League season off to a winning start with a 34-24 victory over Milford. Adam Nicholson top-scored with a hat-trick of tries, with Luke Watling, Nick Speck, Kayle Stannard, Adam Caddie and Carl Fernandez also crossing, while Joe Lancaster added four goals.

And they continued that winning run with a 26-6 victory at Oulton Raiders. A hat-trick this time came from York City Knights scholar Stannard, with other tries from Jack Hodgson and Caddie, while Lancaster added three goals. Man of the match was Marcus Patterson with Adam Nicholson top tackler.

The team remains on the lookout for new players. All year nine boys interested in playing rugby league can attend training at New Earswick Sports Club on Tuesdays at 6.30pm.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, October 07, 2004