York Acorn 12 Blackbrook 18 IAN Callaghan was Blackbrook's two-try hero in this hard fought victory.

However, full-back Paul Toole started the scoreboard ticking over with an early penalty. Brook's first try came from centre Mark Shaw when smart handling from Brook's three-quarters produced an overlap.

Callaghan scored the visitors second try on 20 minutes when a downfield kick produced a kind bounce of the ball to score. Toole's conversion increased the lead to 12-nil.

Lee Frank reduced the arrears for the home side with a penalty before half-time.

York came out all guns blazing in the second period and put immense pressure on the Blackbrook try line. The pressure finally told when prop forward Darren Clarke surged over for a try converted by Franks.

Only five minutes later Ian Callaghan kicked a loose ball forward and out paced the home defence to score a try which lifted the Blackbrook side. York continued the pressure on Brooks try line but several last-ditch tackles kept them at bay. Two further penalties from Lee Franks closed the gap to just four points before a last minute penalty converted by Callaghan sealed the victory.

Jason Mitchell was awarded the man of the match. Callaghan, Colin Smith, Andy Shaw and Craig Pickavance were all in contention. Blackbrook Magpies 62 Higginshaw 6

Chris Ratcliffe scored three tries and kicked nine goals in this emphatic victory. Further tries came from John Canning, Mark Dickinson (2), Phil Smith, Danny Lavin, Paul Fass (2) and player coach Frank Tinsley as Brook led 34-0 at half-time.

The Andrew Douglas Car Sales man of the match was youngster Chris Hallard with Paul Fass, Dave Hemmings and veteran Phil Smith all playing well.

Blackbrook under 18s 4

Wigan St Judes 10

Brook began their preporations for the forthcoming National Youth League Campaign with a promosing performance against well fancied opposition.

Despite the absence of a number of players, they showed enough spirit and determination to suggest a good season is in the offing.

Craig Lyon got Brooks try, whilst Dave Llewellyn, John Hale, Scott Lyon, Daz Marsh and Kevin Picton and Paul Fass were always in the thick of the action.

Royals under 12s 24

Wigan St Judes nil

A rock solid defence laid the foundation for a good win against a much improved Judes outfit.

Man of the match Bobbie Littler contributed a try, three goals and a drop goal, with Will Abbot (two tries) and Kurt Haggerty (try and drop goal) also on the scoresheet.

Top tackler Keiron Naylor, Mike Wilkinson and Adam Twamley also impressed. Wigan St Judes

under 11s 22 Royals 4

Having gone the whole of last season unbeaten, Royals lost their opening game of the new season to a good St Judes side. However, lacking a number of key players they produced a spirited first half effort before falling away late on.

Co-op man of the match Shaun Magennis was Royals try scorer, with Ian Marren, Fencequick top tackler and newcomer Steven Johnson also impressing.

Royals under 10s 32

Wigan St Judes nil

Royals produced a sparkling opening to the season playing some excellent rugby and defending particularly well.