Lareace Thomas became the first girl to represent Hackney Schools since the 1992/3 season when she made an impressive debut against the touring Gloucester side at Douglas Eyre on Saturday. But despite Lareace's efforts, Hackney were unable to force a win as Gloucester fought a successful rear-guard action for most of the game.

Hackney's early thrusts came from Carlo Thomas, Marcus Simon and Karmah DuBerry combining well with Leon Cuff who made several penetrating runs from full back. SIMON eventually opened the scoring when he slipped past two defenders and the outstanding Gloucester goalkeeper to score from a narrow angle.

The visitors hit back to level almost immediately as they caught the Hackney defence out of position and they then took the lead after the interval.

It was left the DuBERRY to snatch an equaliser as Hackney re-gained the initiative but Gloucester just held on to take a share of the spoils.

Hackney Under 11's: Daniel, L.Thomas, Simon (Gayhurst), Cuff (De Beauvoir), Cockegcici (Berger), Suckley (Grasmere), Lewis, Fagan, Capt., Doody (Rushmore), DuBerry (Amherst), C.Thomas (Sir Thomas Abney)

Subs: Townsend (Rushmore), Sampson (Daubeney).

• Hackney Under 11's entertain Essex side Havering in an inter-district match on Saturday. Kick-off is 10.30a.m. at the Douglas Eyre Sports Centre, E17.

• The popular Hackney Primary Schools Five-a-side competition reaches its climax on Monday 25^th February at Queensbridge Sports & Community Centre (k.o. 4.00p.m.) when six schools will battle through fifteen group matches to determine the champions for this season.