Canon School had mixed fortunes in the final of the English Schools Cup at a wet and muddy Redditch on Saturday.

After excellent results earned them a place in the final, Saturday arrived with one of their leading runners too ill to take part. In the circumstances, the York team's placing of 21st out of 24 was all that could be expected.

However, Asha Hibbert had an outstanding run, finishing ninth of the 142 runners - the highest placing ever by a York athlete in this competition.

Louise Bonnie also had an excellent run to finish 33rd. The less experienced members of the team had never run in such bad conditions before, and the mud, fast start and big occasion combined to make it a difficult for them. Holly Atkinson finished 134th, Lois Teffer 136th and Becky Bones did not finish.

Manor School had a much easier trip and better conditions in the Scarborough Schools race.

Results: Juniors - Hanna Kirkby sixth, Gemma Sanders 12th, Jessica Wilkinson 19th, Charlotte Richer 35, 65 ran. Year 7 - Amy Tolliday 12th, 43 ran.

RUGBY LEAGUE

YORK Under-16s face a tough home tie with Keighley in the first round of the English Schools Rugby League cup competition on Saturday.

The NASUWT Cup, for teams in Leagues Five and Six, also gives Scarborough a long trip to the capital to take on unbeaten London.

Scarborough have received the same draw in the first round of the League Express Under 13 Cup, while York will face Cleveland at home.

FOOTBALL

TADCASTER Grammar School pupils are in for a sleepless night thanks to their Under-16 football team.

The team have arranged a tour of Germany for next Easter and as part of their fund-raising efforts they are holding an all night sports evening on Friday.

It will take place at Tadcaster Leisure Centre with the youngsters joining in a variety of team activities from 8pm to 8am.

Medals and prizes will be awarded at the end of the event.

York Under 11s squad at Bradford this Saturday: Mark Zienko, Mark Featherstone, Matthew Bell (all Dringhouses), Daniel Walton, Dean Greenhough (both Heworth), Michael Down (Ralph Butterfield), Harry Pashby (Oaken Grove), Robert MacQuarrie (Kirk Fenton), Tom Williamson (Fulford), Steven Sacks (Upper Poppleton), Michael Vickers, Jack Rogers (both Headlands), Ben Hopkins (Barlow, Selby), Mark Debnam (St Aelred's), Jamie Swiers (Clifton Without), Michael Murley (Dunnington), Liam Stilgoe (Poppleton Road).

RADIO 5 COMPETITION

NORTH Yorkshire youngsters passionate about sport have the chance to win £1,500 in a national competition being run by BBC Radio 5 Live.

The judges, all famous sports personalities, are looking for youngsters who can demonstrate that taking part in and enjoying sport is more important than winning.

The competition is open to 11-16 year olds across the United Kingdom and involves two stages. Participants first need to write in to the organisers with details of their favourite sports activities and moments. The judges will selected 12 outstanding regional finalists, one from each region of the UK, who will be invited to the BBC to meet the celebrity panel which includes star athletes Roger Black and Iwan Thomas.

There will be special prizes for all participants as well as for schools with the most successful entrants. The top prize will be awarded to the most enthusiastic and dedicated youngster, who will receive £1,500 to spend on a sports related project.

The deadline for return of application forms is January 15. Entry forms have been sent to PE teachers. For more details, ring the BBC Passion for Sport office on 0181 877 3144 or check the 5 Live web-site at http:/www.bbc.co.uk/radio 5

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