FORGET Oxford University against Cambridge, the real grudge match will be at Clifton Park on May 1.

Despite their paths occasionally crossing over the years, York University rugby union teams and their rivals at the College of Ripon and York St John will now clash annually for the Tetley's Challenge Trophy.

Representatives from the two educational institutiona meet at Clifton Park on Tuesday night to formally launch the competition - by going head-to-head.

The competition is expected to grow - with plans for next season's Varsity match to include the ladies' teams and the overall winner of the trophy to be decided by the best aggregate score from the two matches.

Discussions are also planned for a Yorkshire University League, with the talks set to coincide with the first of these challenge matches.

Representatives from each of the universities will be invited to Clifton Park on May to listen to proposals for a two-pool competition that would culminate in a Grand Final at York RUFC's home.

ST Peter's School Under-15s captain Michael Morris could not take the smile off of his face after guiding his side to a historic 16-7 victory over Outwood Grange in the final of the Daily Mail Schools' Rugby Under-15s Cup at Twickenham last Saturday.

The boys went wild after Charles Parry's last-minute penalty ensure the prize would be heading back to the school, and it was Morris who hoisted up the cup in front of a packed West Stand.

And the achievement was just sinking in for Morris.

"It was absolutely amazing," he told the Evening Press. "We always believed that if we played to our full potential we could do it easily. Everyone was excited, it was more excitement than nerves, but they settled after a couple minutes.

"We had to really hold on in the last few minutes, but it was brilliant. It was nerve-wracking but we believed we could do it."

And Morris was full of praise for everyone who travelled down to offer their support for the side.

"The support was absolutely wonderful. It was great see to all the school and everyone who came along - thanks to them all," he said.

"I think there were four coach-loads from the school and then all our parents and friends. It was just amazing."

The victory was the perfect sign-off for coach and teacher Maurice Montieth, who has steered the side to a victorious season of 21 straight wins, but now passes them on to the U16s age group.

"We've dreamt about this for six months - it was all a dream back then but here and now we've gone and done it. I can't believe it," he said.

The school's director of sport Mike Johnson also joined in the praise for the boys.

"We are delighted, absolutely delighted," he added.

"The whole team has put a lot of work in to keep the shape so that he did not get the space and to keep the pressure on them

"We knew they would try to throw the ball about in a bid to try to get us to lose our shape and then take advantage of it, but we kept strong."

HARROGATE RUFC have again been chosen to represent Yorkshire in the county sevens tournament.

The squad which reached the final last year, before losing to a Middlesex team which included five England Sevens players, goes to Penrith for the northern qualifying tournament on May 26. Success would take them back to Twickenham on June 1.

MORE than 700 junior rugby players are expected to descend on Clifton Park on Sunday, April 6 for York's Youth Festival of Rugby.

Nine clubs from the north of England are expected to attending - bringing with them sides aged from Under-7s to Under-12s.

As well as the hosts, Malton and Norton, Sandal, Harrogate, Morpeth, Vale of Lune, Fylde, Darlington and Otley should all field teams.

The fun starts at 10.30am, with plenty, aside from the rugby, to keep people entertained.

There will be refreshments and the bar will be open for adults. Entry to the event is by programme.

Updated: 11:01 Saturday, March 30, 2002