YORK Groves had no answer to half-backs Carl Bardauskas and Wayne Fennell as the duo inspired Selby Warriors to an opening day 44-10 victory.

Both players scored four tries in the Pennine League division five clash, with scrum-half Fennell adding five goals and tenacious stand-off Bardauskas one as the pair scored all of Warriors' points.

Bardauskas opened the scoring with a try under the sticks and after Groves hit back to equalise, it was Fennell's turn to shine, scoring with a 35-metre run and then by following up his own kick on the fifth tackle.

Fennell and Selby player-coach Andy Rowe were sin-binned in separate incidents but the Warriors still scored again, through a Bardauskas try and conversion.

Groves crossed first after the break but from the restart, Fennell gathered Bardauskas' short kick and ran to the sticks. The duo then traded further tries.

Selby's forwards, especially tough-tackling Ian Ramskill, all looked hungry for work and provided the half-backs with a platform, while player-coach Rowe had a strong second half.

Heworth 'A' began the new season in Yorkshire League division three with a 38-4 defeat at Eastmoor 'A'.

They gave a gutsy display and, after trailing 26-0 at the break, showed character in the second half, being rewarded by a try from Tony Southerington following an astute kick by Ian Jones.

Sean Brough worked hard in the backs and Phil Marwood rallied the forwards, receiving good support from Gary Watkinson. Jamie Richardson excelled at full-back.

York and District rugby league chiefs have decided to run the century-old Accident Cup and York and District Cup competitions in alternate years.

Heworth ARLC have pulled out of this year's Accident Cup meaning only four teams are now involved when in past years there were dozens, but bosses did not want to end either competition.

Spokesman Eddie Loftus explained: "We'll run both competitions biennially and this year it's the Accident Cup. They're both 100-year-old cups and we don't want to drop either of them like we did the Interworks."

The Accident Cup draw has paired New Earswick All Blacks with Selby Warriors and York Acorn with York Groves. Dates for the matches are to be confirmed.

Tomorrow will see York and District Under-14s and U15s finals played at Heworth's Elmpark Way ground. The U14s, between Acorn and All Blacks, kicks off at 6.30pm, with the U15s, between Acorn and Scarborough Pirates, following. Ex-Sheriff of York Eurig Thomas will present the trophies.

Updated: 09:21 Tuesday, September 07, 2004