REIGNING Yorkshire champions at their age level, York Rugby Union Club's under-11s, continued their rampaging start to the season as they began the defence of their county crown.

Up against hosts Harrogate, York applied constant pressure.

However, spirited tackling by Harrogate meant they were unable to convert the pressure into points.

Joe Johnson was particularly effective in the rucks, while Adam Johnson was unlucky to have the ball knocked out of his hands as he dived for the try line.

Despite having territorial advantage for nearly 80 per cent of the game York were denied a try as the clash finished 0-0.

But the blank run then ended.

Against Roundhegians, the ferocious driving attack of the York forwards put the opposition under pressure from the start.

The ball was recycled in York's favour and the backs poured through the defensive line.

A rolling maul five metres out saw hooker Jared Bambridge take the ball from the back and dive over on the blind side for the day's first try. Adam Johnson converted.

A smartly-worked move from the centre of the field went through most of the backs' hands before Johnson burst through for a try which he converted.

The second half continued where the first had left off. Bambridge again picked up a ball from the back of a ruck and drove his way over for his second try, Jack Ambler converting.

With time running out, a break through the middle by Isaac Pollard, who had come infield, enabled Daniel Harrison to cross. Tom Whitaker goaled to seal a 28-0 victory.

The last match was against Old Leodensians, who proved to be very weak opposition and allowed York to range freely around the pitch.

Old Leos' youngsters had no answer to the power and discipline of the York forwards resulting in seven converted tries in the 14-minute game for a 49-0 triumph.

Tries were scored by Will Stephen, Harrison, Johnson, Bambridge, Whitaker and Jack Park matched by conversions from Johnson, Whitaker and Ambler.

This season almost 200 points have been scored in ten games without a single point conceded.

Updated: 09:56 Saturday, November 22, 2003