A try from Wharfedale hooker Ben Sowrey was not enough to save England Counties Under-20s from defeat in their inaugural match.

They lost 18-15 to Scotland’s Under-20 World Cup side at West Park Leeds.

England Counties Under-20s coach Bob Hood said: “I thought this was a really good start to the Counties Under-20s project.

“To come up against a side that is competing in the Junior World Cup with all the preparation they’ve had and do as well as they did has given this team real merit.”

* Yorkshire are under pressure in their quest for the Bill Beaumont Cup after losing their opening North Division group game 18-10 to Cheshire at Sheffield.

Otley’s Curtis Wilson scored Yorkshire’s only try as Cheshire repeated their triumph of last season.

* Aire-Wharfe Cup chairman John Riley enjoyed a double dose of good news following last week’s final at Bramley Phoenix, who defeated Yarnbury Seconds 58-13.

He said: “There is a rumour going around that this is the last Aire-Wharfe Cup.

“It isn’t, and what is more we have a sponsor for next season in Leeds-based Spray Plant (UK) Ltd.”

However, the match did mark the retirement of the Aire-Wharfe Cup secretary Alden Phillips, after ten years, and treasurer Joe Midgley, both from Keighley.

Riley has already lined up a new secretary in Charlie Jackson from Yarnbury.