THE young Selby Warriors ARLC under-nines side excelled in their first game together before just losing ten tries to three to their much bigger and more experienced Featherstone opposition.

All 13 players showed lots of heart and enthusiasm in defence to entertain a large appreciative crowd.

Jacob Bates opened the scoring with a powerful drive carrying three defenders over the line with him.

Bradley Steele scored the Warriors' second try with a flying run down the wing, but the best was saved for last when Harry Steele followed in his brother's footsteps by scoring a long-range jinking try beating at least six Featherstone defenders.

Charlie Spooner gave a tremendous effort and put in a faultless performance from acting half. Winger Craig Branford was unlucky not to score and Archie Millin, playing second row, never took a backward step and defended with conviction.

Coaches Dave Sowden and Mick Parkin can now look forward to a promising new season.

Ebor on target

Ebor Archers, who shoot at the British Sugar Sports Ground at Acomb, hosted the Yorkshire Archery Association's Clout Championships.

Ray Chaplin, Ebor Archers' president, came second in the recurve division, Jean Horwood won the women's longbow, and Geoff Ingleby took the men's longbow.

Maria Pickard also came first in her age group in the junior section.

The Ebor ranks won the Yorkshire Team Award for the longbow, arguably the most difficult of all the disciplines.

Ebor Archers will be holding a have-a-go afternoon on Sunday, May 7 all equipment provided. Beginner's courses will run from May 9 every Tuesday night until the end of July. Details from Geoff Ingleby on York 797263.

Festival fling

YORK Rugby Union Club's under-eights dazzled at the Harrogate Festival.

Playing Macclesfield, Malton and Norton, Moortown and North Ribblesdale, the York boys were unbeaten in their pool to meet Otley in the final, who had also been unbeaten.

Despite a close first half and some heroic defensive work York went down 8-4.

However, York boy William Atkin was presented as player-of-the-tournament following a great show of skill and determination and having scored 17 tries over the five matches.

Cliffe opener

Tennis players in Cliffe started their season on Sunday with a tournament for the village club's members. The team plays in division nine of the York and District Tennis League.

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, April 26, 2006