Inspired start by Yorkshire

8:25pm Sunday 4th May 2008

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Cheshire 13, Yorkshire 20

Yorkshire coach Bob Hood (Yarnbury) was impressed by their 20-13 win over Cheshire at Macclesfield yesterday as the senior County Championship season got underway.

"This was the best starting performance in the championship that we've had for four of five years," he said.

"I was really pleased with the way we prepared and the way we played.

"Considering it was our first time together, we played some really good rugby. The scoreline should have been greater in our favour.

"We were too strong up front for Cheshire, although they defended really well. We had all the territory and possession in the first-half, but only led 10-3 at half-time.

"Cheshire ran everything from anywhere and picked up an interception try at the posts.

"From our point of view, Leeds Carnegie No 8 Max Lewis had an outstanding game, scoring two tries and doing an enormous amount of ball-carrying, Otley's Paul Turner at loose-head prop managed admirably against an experienced operator in Matt Holt and Manchester fly half Richard Wainright also had a fine game and scored a try.

"It was also encouraging that 15 of the 22 players involved have come through from the under-20 and under-21 sides, which is something we've been aiming for.

"We also had England Counties manager Danny Hodgson watching us and he must have been impressed."

Lewis (2) and Wainwright scored Yorkshire's tries, with Otley wingman Robin Kitching adding a conversion and penalty.