YORK RUFC's youth section swept to silverware success at the Derby Festival.

The Under-11s, in their final workout before the Prudential Plate final at Twickenham on May 30, were in uncompromising mood.

They beat Melbourne 7-0 in the final to complete the competition without conceding any points.

In the semi-final York saw off Burton 'A' 28-0 after topping their pool after drawing 0-0 with Melbourne, then beat both Derby 'B' and Burton 'B' 40-0.

The previous day they had warmed up for the tournament by thrashing Burton 56-0.

Another of York's Twickenham-bound teams, the Under-9s, were also in great form, scoring 15 tries without reply in their four games at Burton, the touchdowns coming from Henry Scroggs (6), Ben Lightwing (4), Harry Scurr (2), Michael Hurst, Connor Whitby and Rhys Ward.

That put them in great heart for the pretigious Derby Festival which they began with a last-gasp win against Melbourne, Lightwing scoring the only try of the game.

Hurst (2), Lightwing, Frankie Whitaker and Harry Hall were on the scoresheet as Derby 'B' were beaten 15-0.

Owen Marsden and Scroggs (2) touched down to beat Burton 15-0 and set up a final against Derby 'A'.

The Midlanders made the perfect start scoring a try after 30 seconds but York were level through Lightwing before half time and clinched the winner through Scurr.

York's U8s completed a second season undefeated after sharing the spoils in a thrilling final at Derby against Burton.

Burton had been beaten comprehensively by York in a warm-up game the previous day with wingers Adam Price and Chris Williams among the tries.

York beat the same opposition four tries to one in the Derby Festival with Charlie Elliott and Adam Turn among the scorers and York went on to win all their pool games.

In the semi-final they defeated Sutton Coldfield four tries to one to set up another meeting against Burton.

This time Burton scored first and their defence tied up York's speedy players and it was not until mid-way through the second half that Dylan George scored. Alex Machen also scored a try but the game finished two tries each and the sides agreed to share the prize.

York's U7s were also triumphant at the Derby Festival, beating Hull Ionians in a tense final. The game went into extra time, then sudden death with York taking victory.

To cap a great day, the York club won the Festival Trophy for best team play and best conduct.

Updated: 11:00 Friday, April 30, 2004