SPIRITED defending thwarted Malton and Norton's bid to win rugby union's Under-14s Yorkshire Cup final at wind-lashed Pocklington, where Hull Ionians prevailed 19-10.
The rivals had met twice before this season, each grabbing a win, with Ionians reaching the final after toppling West Park Bramhope, Sandal and Middlesbrough, while Malton's route accounted for Harrogate, Dinnington and Wharfedale.
Malton immediately established territorial advantage, but Hull took the lead when, after Ollie Norman's clearance kick, Joel Taylor picked up from the scrum and barged over. Sam Latus converted.
Back came Malton, whose pressure paid off when right-winger Danny Smillie went over for an unconverted try in the corner, but Ionians countered just before half-time, full-back Rob Davison scoring a try with Latus converting.
Early in the second half Malton's outstanding centre, Mark Perkins, forced his way over in the corner for an unconverted try to leave Malton just one score behind.
Malton thereafter camped in the Ionians half only for their handling and final pass to let them down and in a rare Ionians raid Latus worked a planned move which led to Will Burnett touching down the decisive try.
Updated: 10:13 Tuesday, April 06, 2004
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