THERE will an all-York final in the Yorkshire Youth Rugby League Under-12s Continuation Cup this month after Heworth and York Acorn won their semi-finals.
Heworth beat Garforth Tigers 36-0, while Acorn saw off Whinmoor Warriors, and they will now meet on finals day at Featherstone's Chris Moyles Stadium on April 28.
Although the Heworth score suggests an easy win, this was not the case. Indeed, Garforth almost scored from the off only to be denied by a last-gasp tackle by the outstanding Elliot Bulmer.
Both teams displayed good skills and Garfoth had several chances. However, they were always denied and strong running from Daniel Coulson, who scored two tries, and Tom Forde set up scores for Heworth. Also, Jack Stewart belied his size by putting in aggressive tackles, and Billy Legg showed good handling.
Alex Clough crossed twice, once with a length-of-the-pitch effort, while other scorers were Jordan Potter, Flannan Naismith and Thomas Atkinson. Harry Deighton and Liam Jackson added goals.
Heworth U12s followed up this semi-final victory with a hard-fought 26-12 win against a big Dewsbury Celtic side.
Both teams played open rugby despite a strong wind, which resulted in only one successful conversion, by Jackson. Potter (2), Jackson (2) and Legg got Heworth's tries.
A highlight of the match was when Stewart, the smallest player on the pitch, chased the biggest Dewsbury player for 60 metres before hauling him down short of the try-line. Other good performers were Ollie Murphy, Deighton and Clough.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the Heworth team can contact Kevin Pratt on 07969 434353.
New Earswick U11s experienced a tough encounter away to a well-drilled Upton team, but still won 30-22.
With two of the All Blacks' top forwards out, the team dug deep in a fine performance. Kieran Parker scored three tries, Calum Graham one and man of the match Declan Calam one. Calam also made a whopping 35 tackles.
George Mosey was the man of the match as New Earswick U9s played a good, end-to-end encounter away at Stanley Rangers.
Luke Hodgson scored four tries and tackled well, George Leatt made some strong runs and scored a try, and Kieran Hamilton touched down and defended well. Will Ireland was the top tackler and also made some good breaks. Kallum Summerbell-Green took the oustanding effort' award.
Dominic Judge showed off his sidestep to score a hat-trick as New Earswick U8s played superbly against Wetherby Bulldogs.
Judge and Cameron Taylor were the men of the match, while Jacob Goodall and Harvey Baynes also stood out in attack. Other try-scores were Mike Elders (2), Taylor, Calem and Goodall.
Defensively, apart from a couple of missed tackles, the team did a fine job, with Sam Beaumont, Ben Husband and Conner Calem standing out.
Teamwork was key as York Acorn U8s showed grit and determination to get back on form versus Hunslet Parkside.
Every player moved up well in defence with men of the match Henry Rollinson and Owen Levers, Shay North, Jack Wyard and most improved player Charles Dickinson leading the way.
Rollinson ran in six tries, with Luke Cooke, Adam Winter-Rhodes, Jordon Kellett and Wyard causing Hunslet more problems. Millie Cook, Luke Overall and Ziggy Dudman also got stuck in.
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