WORTHING lifted the RFU Colts Cup after Fergus Guiry's last-minute try secured a dramatic 20-13 triumph over York at Sale Sharks' AJ Bell Stadium.

York's under-17s moved into an early 10-0 lead through Thomas Woffendin's try and Sam Elliot's penalty – but their West Sussex opponents hit back to be only three points in arrears at the break as Jack Forrest touched down and Marcus Hendry added the extras.

Hendry then kicked two three-pointers in the second period as Worthing went in front for the first time.

To their credit, York kept their composure and levelled the game at 13-13 going into the final stages but Worthing finished the stronger and Guiry was the match-winner when he went over.

York boss Paddy Stephens praised the quality of rugby on offer and said: "It was a great game. There were two good sides and in the end they converted their last chance in the last minute, which was a wonderful try."

Having gone into the clash as reigning Yorkshire Cup champions, Stephens' lads were looking to add to their trophy cabinet and they started with intensity.

Elliot kicked an early penalty and then almost scampered over for a try but was adjudged to have been held up.

However, it did not matter as, from the resulting scrum, they moved the ball down the blindside and Woffendin sidestepped his way over the line.

Worthing were shell-shocked but they responded well to that setback. Crisp passing from the backline allowed them to put York under pressure and although Forrest was initially tackled, it was not completed and the centre could get back to his feet and cross the whitewash.

Hendry converted and brought his side back to within three points but the West Sussex outfit were soon back defending in their own half.

Rob Ure was sin-binned for a trip and Elliot took play deep into opposition territory – but to Worthing's credit, they managed to hold out until the interval.

That rearguard resistance evidently gave them confidence as Jack Roberts' side controlled the early stages of the second period.

The backline was lively and, after a succession of York indiscretions, Hendry was on target twice from the tee to give the southerners a deserved advantage.

Elliot responded with a penalty of his own to level matters and make the final 20 minutes a nervous affair.

But it was Worthing who grasped the game by the scruff of the neck and produced a wonderful move to win the trophy as Guiry touched down in the right-hand corner.