HOSTS Terrington Hall narrowly missed out on victory in the main cup competition of the school’s 17th annual under-13s rugby sevens tournament.

Terrington ‘A’ were beaten in a thrilling climax after reaching the final for the first time in 12 years of the largest school sevens tournament of its kind in the north of England.

A total of 26 schools competed, with fine performances also coming from Malton School and Ryedale School, who qualified for the plate competition after finishing second in their group, while St Martin’s Ampleforth went through to the bowl competition having come third.

The cup was played out between Terrington Hall ‘A’, Barnard Castle, Cundall Manor, Merchiston Castle, Durham School, St Anselm’s, St Olave’s and Sedbergh.

Sedbergh went through to the final after beating 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.

Sedbergh powered to a 35-10 victory in the final, the sheer size and physical strength of individual players proving too much for the host team.

In the plate, Malton bowed out to RGS Newcastle 25-14 and Aysgarth 29-5, while Ryedale succumbed to Pocklington 22-5 and St Anselm’s 22-15. RGS beat Pock 14-5 in the final.

The bowl was won by Birkdale School after their 24-0 victory over Red House, and Merchiston Castle took the shield by beating 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 and much admired by coaches and spectators alike.”