A SUSPECTED sneak thief met his match when he was "tackled" by an entire York youth Rugby Union team.

The 15-strong York Railway Institute (RI) under-16s team were warming up to play Malton and Norton at their New Lane ground when the drama unfolded at 11am yesterday.

Sean Heslop, secretary of the RI youth rugby section, confronted a man in his 20s after he spotted him acting suspiciously outside the changing rooms.

"He made a run for it, so I chased after him," he told the Evening Press. "I was getting left behind so I shouted to our lads for help and they reacted brilliantly."

The quick-thinking players immediately blocked off the man's exit and formed a circle round him until the police arrived.

"He gave himself up when he realised he was surrounded," Sean said.

"I'm very proud of our players. It's unfortunate we got hammered in the actual game."

The York RI team were beaten 34-7 by Malton.

Updated: 11:44 Monday, March 10, 2003