Rising York Whitehawks ace James Clapham moved a step up the roller hockey ladder when he starred for the North East in their first round of Superleague matches at Manchester.

The 13-year-old from Alwyn Grove in York, assistant captain of the Whitehawks, was included in the regional Peewee (Under-14s) squad which faced Scotland, North Manchester and Greater Manchester in the British Inline Puck Hockey Association competition.

He was left out of the opening game against Scotland which the North East lost 6-5 but played in both matches against the Manchester teams.

Despite his nerves, James slotted in well alongside players from Grimsby, Selby and Leeds who were teaming up for the first time. They were narrowly beaten 4-2 by North Manchester before James assisted two goals in a 3-2 victory over Greater Manchester.

In an exciting game which could have gone either way, James was put in defence for the last 12 minutes and helped the North East secure the win.

The Manchester side received a two point penalty for calling a time-out in the last two minutes which is not permitted.

The second round takes place in Scotland on December 11 when Whitehawks Joe Botterill, David Close and Scott McCrorie, who have all been involved with the regional team, will be hoping to join James in the squad.

James was back in action with his York team-mates when they travelled to Pudsey Leisure Centre to face Leeds Cougars.

The Whitehawks Juniors (Under-18s) overcame the disappointment of defeat in the opening match of the BIPHA North East Viking League to beat the Cougars, newcomers to the league, 7-6.

Goals from Andrew Miller and Matt Topham, aided by six fine saves from netminder Andy Hancock, gave York a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period which saw penalty sit-outs for Sam Dyer and Danny Wilson.

The teams shared four goals in the second period as York retained their one-goal advantage. Sam Dyer and debutant Dave Young were on the mark with Topham assisting both. The Cougars produced nine shots on target but could beat relief netminder Lee Dilsworth, also making his debut, just once, despite Dilsworth playing with a suspected broken toe.

In the third period York hit three goals without reply through Topham, assisted by John Sheeran, and two from Dave Young, assisted by Dyer.

That made the score 7-3 to York and though Leeds hit back with three goals, the Whitehawks hung on for victory.

The Peewees lost their friendly match 3-1 with James Clapham scoring their only goal in the second period. Net minder Scott McCrorie kept the Cougars score down but York paid for their inability to finish off their chances.

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