YORK try-scoring sensation Ben Johnston has got his name in the history books after eclipsing the British record for the most touchdowns scored in one season.

As reported in the Evening Press, the York Acorn youngster needed seven tries at a tournament in Castleford to overhaul the record of 121 set by current Wigan Warriors ace Simon Haughton.

And the nine-year-old pocket rocket had little trouble in doing so as he scored 14 times - including five in the final alone - as his side won the competition.

Johnston now joins not only Haughton but also Wigan and Great Britain legend Joe Lydon among the list of great names to have set a new best.

Johnston, a Poppleton Road Primary School pupil, notched a hat-trick in the first game of the competition and a brace in the second, and with the second try of his hat-trick in the third game set the new British best.

He surprisingly missed out as Acorn scored eight times in the next game and only got one in the semi-final before going nap in a superb display in the final.

Proud mum Adele is sure he has a great future in the game. "He's so talented it all comes naturally to him," she said.

"He wants to go on to play for Leeds Rhinos and for him it's not a case of if he makes it but when, he's that focused. We never have to push him or motivate him; he will go out in rain or snow and go for it."

She added: "About 12 games were cancelled as well this season, so if they had been played he would have scored even more.

"He also plays for York City centre of excellence but rugby league is his first love."

Acorn Under-9s ended the competition with a 100 per cent record, beating Wakefield side Kings Cross five tries to nil, hosts Cas Panthers 6-1, Featherstone Lions 5-3 and Halfacres 8-1 in the group games before seeing off Halfacres 3-0 in the semi-final and Featherstone 10-4 in the final.

Other scorers for Acorn throughout the tournament were Liam Wilkinson (3), Anthony Chilton (7), Peter Todd (2), Mike Kellet (4), Stuart Leeke (3), Rob Dickson (2), Jordan Hyde (1) and Rebecca Seaman with her first try for the club.

Updated: 11:46 Wednesday, August 22, 2001