NEW Earswick All Blacks junior Tom Stancliffe picked up international honours with aplomb this week.

The Millthorpe School pupil (pictured) was named in the 20-man England Under-16s rugby league squad that took on France Cadets (U16s) in a two-match series, and played in both games as the young Lions triumphed twice.

Furthermore, the winger scored a crucial try in the first encounter at The Willows, the home of Salford City Reds, chasing onto a crossfield kick to touch down in the left corner.

England won that close encounter 22-16, and had a slightly easier time in the second tie, played at Hull KR's Craven Park ground, to win 24-12 and complete the series win.

All the players in the England squad are attached to professional clubs, with Stancliffe, an England Youth U15s international last year, being a scholar at Super League outfit Hull.

Meanwhile, New Earswick U9s played superbly in their home game against a good Selby Warriors U9s side.

Strong running man of the match George Leatt, top tackler Kieran Hamilton, and the speedy Luke Hodgson scored two tries each, while Luke Adamson, Hamish Cunningham-Evans, George Mosey and Kallum Summerbell-Green, who picked up the outstanding effort' award for the second week running, also crossed.

Henri Grimbley was man of the match as Heworth U8s A' went try crazy against Birstall Victoria.

Their continued improvement showed as Sam Young (5), Josh Rogerson (4), Leon Beattie (2) and Jack Shore got among the tries. Arron McBride again topped the tackle count and Toby Lathams was the most improved player.