Bradford Grammar School, 20-0 ahead with half an hour left, lost 21-20 to Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton to continue their poor start to the season.

However, BGS could have done without the withdrawal of captain Alan Bateson with gastroenteritis the night before.

Nevertheless, they began with great enthusiasm, and went into the lead when full back James Druce came into the line between the centres and broke clear.

Druce cut back inside and was tackled, but the ball was re-cycled and Daniel Solomi wriggled over for the try on his first XV debut, Druce converting.

Centre Alexander Doherty crossed in the 15th minute to finish a good passage of play, and Druce rounded off a good first half with a penalty for 15-0.

Ermysted's improved in the second half, but Bradford still had territorial advantage.

They made hard work of turning pressure into points, however, although Robert bellerby finished off a nice two-on-one in the corner to make it 20-0.

This sparked Ermysted's into action and Bradford contributed to their own downfall by sitting back. Ermysted's bagged three converted tries to clinch a rare victory over their opponents.

Their tries came from centre Patrick Forman (2) and Andrew Strickland, who also kicked three conversions.

Ermysted's Head of PE Richard Head said: "It was a real comeback, and Andrew's conversion on the final whistle wasn't easy - it was halfway between the posts and the touchline.

"I reckon it was the first time we have beaten them in about nine seasons."

lSeeded Bradford Grammar are awaiting the winners of QEGS Blackburn and Queen Elizabeth's Kirkby Lonsdale in the third round of the Daily Mail Schools Under-18 Cup.

Bingley Grammar School, semi-finalists in the Daily Mail Vase last season, showed real grit to defeat Ashville College, Harrogate 24-14.

Now they are at Yarm School, who will need to find their rhythm quicker than they did in beating St Cuthbert's High School 49-7.

Leeds Grammar dominated Guiseley School, and are now at home to Hymers College, Hull.

lMirfield Free Grammar School suffered their first defeat of the season 14-7 against Hall Cross School, Doncaster.

The absence of Omar Butt didn't help,forcing the team to re-organise minutes before kick-off.

Failing for once in the line-out, Mirfield trailed 7-0 before Dean Grimshaw scored a try, which Chris Duffy converted.

A missed tackle in the backs let Hall Cross in for the winning try, which was also converted.

Result of the day came from the second XV, who won 22-12. Darren Hartley virtually sealed his first XV place with an awesome performance.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.