THE North Yorkshire RL Service Area enjoyed a fine start to the 2005 representative season with excellent wins over Lancashire at under-13s and under-12s level.

The U12s, missing eight squad members due to New Earswick U12s' Continuation Cup final, opened with a hard fought 14-6 win.

Lancashire scored first after winning a scrum against the head, but North Yorkshire hit back as a well-worked move resulted in second-row James Leaf crossing, captain Jack Maud goaling.

North Yorkshire, aided by a strong wind, then scored the try of the match as play was spread from one side to the other for Wetherby winger Joseph Havercroft to cross in the corner.

North Yorkshire defended magnificently after the break and the win was sealed when Maud scooted over from dummy-half. Full-back Callum Hannigan was man of the match.

The U13's won 26-18 after getting off to a flying start when full-back Josh Peacock went 80 metres to the posts.

Then from the kick off man of the match scrum-half Ben Johnston stepped through the line and beat the full-back, while hooker James Mount-ford also scored before half-time, going from dummy half, stand-off Tom Harvey adding goals.

Lancashire rallied but Peacock crossed again in the second half and captain Stuart Leeke also scored to seal victory.

The U12s and U13s face Kirklees this weekend at Rams Stadium, Dewsbury, while the U14s and U15s begin their campaigns against Calderdale at York Acorn.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, May 12, 2005