Anyone who's ever wanted to try tag rugby but didn't know where to start will have no excuses this spring when three of the city's top amateur rugby league clubs host beginners sessions.

The rugby revelation has taken the city by storm since members of the York City Knights development team began pioneering the game in local schools and the game is catching on among the adult population too.

A tag festival took place last November and wheels are now in motion to set up a summer league.

Anyone interested in picking up the basics can go along to the sessions on April 3 at Heworth, April 10 at New Earswick All Blacks and April 24 at York Acorn.

A seven-a-side tournament has been pencilled in for May 7, probably also at Acorn's Thanet Road site, and one for the ladies has also been scheduled for Wednesday, June 14.

A summer competition over three weeks will then kick off at the amateur clubs on August 7, 14 and 21.

More details will be announced closer to the dates but for more information, call Tony Gargan on 07736 040804.

Scaling the heights

Selby Warriors under-13s stormed into the quarter-finals of the Continuation Cup with a brilliant 54-10 victory at Shaw Cross, who are in the division above.

Selby built a 22-point lead within 20 minutes and, although the Sharks hit back with ten points, the visitors ran away with it after the break.

Jacob Scales got four tries and gave another to Javen Copeland for his first touchdown for the club.

Shaun Bell (2) and Josh Skilbeck (2) also crossed, while Arran Sharpe added goals. Stevie Bell was top tackler in a excellent defensive effort.

Second helpings

An improved second half display saw an under-par New Earswick U13s beat lowly Milford 20-10 in the Continuation Cup first round.

Milford looked on course for a shock as they deservedly led 10-6 at half-time, Phil Dawes crossing for All Blacks.

But man-of-the-match Eric Hall came on at prop to turn things around, setting up Jack Maude for an equaliser. Tries from Joe Dey and Louis Pool sealed the win. Kieran O'Malley and Dean Layton, who booted two goals, impressed.

Proud as Peacock

Man-of-the-match Josh Peacock scored a hat-trick as York Acorn U14s made progress in the Yorkshire Cup with a deserved 30-12 victory over a strong Upton side.

Both teams played good rugby in poor conditions. Tyler Dawson, Jordan Hyde and Josh Mortimer also crossed, with Antony Chilton adding three goals.

Sloppy and slow

Poor tackling and line speed cost York Acorn U12s dear as they crashed to a heavy defeat to Victoria Gladiators.

Ryan Gallacher scored their only try and goal, while Martin Brown was man of the match. Team spirit will need to improve.

Updated: 09:09 Thursday, February 16, 2006