IN a thrilling final contest, host school Terrington Hall this year narrowly missed out on victory in the Cup competition of its 17th annual U13 rugby sevens tournament.

Reaching the final for the first time in 12 years, the hosts fell at the final hurdle where they were toppled 35-10 by Sedbergh, whose sheer size and physical strength of individual players proved too much for Terrington Hall.

There were also fine performances from Malton, Pocklington and Ryedale schools who qualified for the Plate competition having come second in their group stage matches, while St Martin’s Ampleforth and Scarborough College went through to the Bowl competition having come third.

The largest event of its kind in the North of England, this year’s event was attended by 27 schools from across the region, with matches held over a five-hour span.

The Cup competition featured Barnard Castle, Cundall Manor, Merchiston Castle, Durham School, St Anselm’s, St Olave’s, Sedbergh and Terrington Hall.

Sedbergh went through to the final having beaten a slick St Olave’s side 24-12 and Cundall Manor 19-0, while Terrington saw off Durham School 24-19 and Barnard Castle 45-5.

The Plate competition was dominated by North Yorkshire schools with strong performances from Malton and Ryedale schools.

Malton bowed out 25-14 to RGS Newcastle and Aysgarth 29-5, while Ryedale succumbed to Pocklington 22-5 and St Anselm’s 22-15.

Pocklington School, having also beaten St Anselm’s 17-14, lost 14-5 to RGS Newcastle in the Plate final.

The Bowl competition was won by Birkdale School after their 24-0 win over Red House, while Merchiston Castle carried off the Shield having beaten Terra Nova 43-5.

Terrington Hall headmaster Stephen Mulryne said: ‘I should like to commend the schools and players for a magnificent afternoon of rugby fiercely played out in high competitive spirit.

“My congratulations to the winners and my thanks to the boys for a superb display of sevens skills.”

Competing schools: Aysgarth, Barnard Castle, Birkdale, Cundall Manor, Durham, Giggleswick, Malton, Merchiston Castle, Mount St Mary’s, Mowden Hall, RGS Newcastle, Newcastle School for Boys, Pocklington, Ranby House, Read, Red House, Ryedale School, St Anselm’s, St Martin’s Ampleforth, St Mary’s Stonyhurst, St Olave’s, Scarborough College, Sedbergh, Terra Nova, Terrington Hall ‘A’, Terrington Hall ‘B’ and Yarm.