THE next generation of talented tyros at St Peter's School were out to emulate the success of their peers when they travelled to Filey School today in the first round of the Daily Mail Schools Under-15s Cup.

Backed by a 1,000-strong support, the school enjoyed a day to remember back in March as skipper Will Butler and his team of miniature heroes enjoyed a 16-7 victory over Outwood Grange in the final at Twickenham.

However, just scrum-half Peter Wackett, a second-half replacement in the final, remains from that squad in the side that headed to the coast today, while Maurice Montieth again has the job of coaching the boys.

One member of the U15s champions will be going for glory in the U18s category, with No8 Thomas Woolsey - whose outstanding display at Twickenham was rewarded with a try - now in the lower sixth at the school.

However, the First XV are not in action until the third round of the competition, which is scheduled for mid-October.

The first round of the U15s has thrown up an interesting derby between Ripon GS and Harrogate GS, while Pocklington School entertain Hull and Ashville College face Read School.

In the U18s, Ripon face another derby against King James' School, Knaresborough, and Scarborough take on York Sixth Form College, with the winners facing the victors from the Bingley against Ashville College tie.

TADCASTER-born Irish internationals Simon and Guy Easterby will begin their 2003 World Cup push next weekend.

The talented duo, who went to Ampleforth College before making their names at Harrogate RUFC, have been named in a 26-strong Ireland squad that will travel to the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk for the Emerald Isle's qualifier against Russia.

Back-rower Simon looks set to start the match after catching the eye in Ireland's friendly win over Romania, while brother Guy will undoubtedly start on the bench with Peter Stringer the favourite for the scrum-half berth.

POCKLINGTON'S new coach, Mick Watson, was back in action for his 'other club' at the weekend.

The former Harlequins lock combines the coaching at Pock with his role as player-coach with National One strugglers Wakefield.

And Watson made a big impression on Saturday as he came off the bench to inspire his side to an 18-16 victory against Manchester.

With his side trailing 13-5 at the break, and showing little sign of improvement, Watson entered the fray to fire up his side - and the tactic worked as he set up one try as Wakefield came back to snatch the points.

THE Rugby Football Union will be holding a regional coaching course on front row play at York RUFC's Clifton Park ground on Wednesday, September 18.

Held as part of a national development programme to increase the numbers of players taking up propping and hooking, the session will be open for players from Under-11s to senior age, as well as teachers and coaches.

The RFU regional development officer John Lawn, who has hooked for Yorkshire, and Newcastle Falcons prop, Ian Peel, will take the course.

The session will begin at 6.30pm, with further details from Andy Gair on (07712) 793081.

POCKLINGTON old boy Jon Stuart, from Everingham, has switched clubs.

The Scotland 'A' and U21s player, whose last visit to Percy Road in May yielded two tries for the Pock President's team, has joined Borders RU after a stint with Glasgow Warriors.

Updated: 11:00 Saturday, September 14, 2002