Akademiks ace off to a flying start
for Skolars

Former Leeds Akademiks winger Neil Ayres got his new career with London Skolars off to a flying start when he scored on his debut for the LHF National League Two side in a trial game against England Lionhearts on Sunday. The Nottingham-born flyer has been training with the Skolars since relocating to the capital in October, following a sensational first season in rugby league with the Akademiks. He started on the wing as the Skolars defeated the Lionhearts - the representative side made up of the best players from the Rugby League Conference - 64-16 at New River Stadium. Ironically, Ayres was overlooked by Lionhearts selectors last season, despite his prolific try-scoring record for the Akademiks. However, his try-scoring debut could have netted him a place in the Skolars' squad for this Saturday's eagerly anticipated derby fixture against his new club's Super League neighbours London Broncos. Akademiks chairman Jez Shires commented: "It was clear Neil had huge potential when he first arrived at the club from Old Modernians RUFC last May. He has absolutely blinding pace, and is possibly the quickest player I have seen at this level, but he's also extremely tough and committed. "It's great to see him working hard to develop his rugby league career and I'm sure he will do well."