YORK City Knights coaches have been increasingly impressed by the quality of tag rugby league in York schools.

No fewer than 64 teams competed in the qualifying heats for this year's York primary schools tournament, with 16 progressing to the finals day, which will be held at Huntington Stadium on Sunday, May 13, as a curtain-raiser to the Co-op National League Two game between the Knights and Celtic Crusaders.

The Knights' community development team organise the tournament on the back of coaching sessions in the schools.

Development officer Ian Wilson said: "The standard of play is getting better year on year. Many of the schools now run regular tag rugby league clubs and more and more children are getting the opportunity to experience the sport. We have already had a number of inquiries from parents about joining our local clubs."

The 16 teams through to the finals day all won their respective groups in the tournament qualifiers.