One down, one to Heworth ARL's youth section was celebrating the first of a potential county double last night.

A remarkable campaign for the club's future stars has seen the Under-16s reach the final of the Yorkshire Youth League Division One Championship and the Under-14s the final of the Yorkshire Cup.

And while the Villagers' U14s will have to wait until next month for their crack at lifting the cup, the U16s are already the toast of Heworth having enjoyed a pulsating 7-2 victory over Wibsey at Featherstone last night.

Both sides created chances in the first half but tight defences always closed the door, the exception being a Sean Coulson drop goal to give Heworth a 1-0 advantage at half-time.

Playing up the slope in the second half, Heworth scored what proved to be the decisive try after only three minutes. A superb break by Marcus Allan created the chance for Matt Derry to cross the line.

The lead was extended with Heworth's next foray upfield when Coulson dropped another goal.

Wibsey piled on the pressure and laid siege to the Heworth line but the Villagers' well-organised defence was not to be broken. Wibsey's only reward being a penalty to put the score to 6-2.

From the restart Heworth gained good position for Liam Stagnell to drop another goal.

Wibsey came storming back but yet again they found the York-based side's defence impenetrable.

The final whistle brought joyous celebration from the team and their supporters.

The U14s warmed up for the Yorkshire Cup final against Middleton on Sunday, May 11, at Featherstone, with a superb 32-30 victory over Victoria Rangers.

In a repeat of last week's semi-final, Heworth dominated the first half and led 20-8 at the break but they relaxed and Rangers hit back to edge 30-28 in front.

But then Heworth captain Gareth Watson won the match in the final minute with a fine chip and chase to the line for his second try.

Eric Boldison (3) and Jamie Pallister (2) had also crossed, with Ben Potter adding two goals, while Imi Lewis also played well.

Updated: 10:08 Thursday, April 10, 2003