Keighley RFU Under-17s start their National Cup campaign on Sunday when they take on a powerful Wilmslow side.

The Utley outfit won the Yorkshire Under-17 Division One title to book their place in the National competition and Wilmslow were champions of Cheshire. The clubs are among the strongest eight teams in the north of England and face two more games, on March 12 and 26 if they are to reach the national semi-finals.

That game is due to take place on April 9 when the winners of the northern section will take on the Midlands champions for a place in the final, which will take place on April 30.

"The incredible team spirit has seen them make remarkable progress and now they are determined to perform well in the later stages of the competition," said team manager Martyn Long.

Last year the squad reached the Under-16 Cup Final at Doncaster when they were beaten by Old Brodlians, but they gained revenge for that defeat in the league stages of this year's competition.

The team is already booked to travel on an end-of-season tour to Barcelona and aim to have further success to take with them to Spain.

n Last week's 1st XV game against Old Brodleians was cancelled. Tomorrow (Saturday) they are at home to Bridlington in Yorkshire League 1.