Knights win McTigue memorial game

Mick Ramsden's team featured top players from four York amateur sides

York City Knights scored a try in the last minute to beat the York Select XIII 22-20 in the second tribute game to the late Lee McTigue on Sunday.

The Knights picked up the Lee McTigue Memorial Trophy, named after the former Knights, Acorn and New Earswick player who died of cancer a year ago.

Former Knights player Mick Ramsden put the York Select side together from the leading amateur players in York.

He said: "I'm really, really proud of the team and the spirit they showed."

The crowd of around 550 was down on last year's 869 but Ramsden expects the fixture to become a regular event.

The amateur players in York enjoy playing in it, they'll tell you that they want to play it every year

Mick Ramsden

"We did it last year and it was a success, and I think everyone involved can see it was a success again this year."

Knights coach Paul March said his side made "a lot of errors," but is satisfied with their rate of progress as their new season approaches.

The money raised from the game will be split between two charities; the XIII Heroes, which supports rugby league players and families affected by serious injury or death; and the Knights Foundation, which supports the development of young rugby league players in York.

"The amateur players in York enjoy playing in it, they'll tell you that they want to play it every year," Ramsden added, "they want to have a crack at the professional team in York.

"It's a good cause, I don't know how much money will be raised but hopefully it will be a nice amount."