A YOUNG York City Knights reserves side lost 42-10 to Leigh last night, but coach Mick Ramsden was still happy with his side's display against the unbeaten Reserve Team Championship leaders.

The only players with any real first-team experience – winger Wayne Reittie and scrum-half Jonathan Schofield - scored the Knights' two tries, with the latter adding a goal.

Championship big-guns Leigh, who have averaged more than 50 points a match in the reserves, had a strong side out.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “Mick was pleased with the performance. We conceded a couple of soft tries but Leigh had a very experienced side out and we had a young side out with a lot of teenagers. Quite a few lads played well, we just that bit of experience.”

The new recruit from York Acorn ARLC, Mike Embleton, was taken off after an hour of his first game in Knights colours, as he is likely to make his first team debut in Sunday's Northern Rail Cup quarter-final at Keighley Cougars.

Davey Burns, another recent recruit from Acorn, and scholarship graduate Joe Dey also did well and could also now be involved on Sunday. Stand-off Scott Woods also went well. Second-row Kris Peacock, who has played a few first-team games, did not play due to illness.

The Knights reserves' next game is away to Leigh next Thursday.

* Don't miss The Press on Saturday for a preview of Keighley v York City Knights in the Northern Rail Cup.