YORK RI rugby union Under-18s came within five minutes of a perfect season but just missed out to Yorkshire Cup finalists and National Cup quarter-finalists Middlesbrough.

The York side had been unbeaten in the North Yorkshire Challenge Competition South League - a new concept including schools, clubs and joint ventures in a bid to avoid the post-16 gap - to get a place in the challenge trophy final.

RI were first to score against North League winners Middlesbrough as a Mark Musgrave break from inside his own half was finished off by Tim Thomas. The conversion missed, but Jo Thornton was quick to tack on three points with a penalty to make it 8-0 to RI at half time.

But RI were left to pay the cost of a second half penalty miss as Middlesbrough made no mistake to close the gap with five minutes to go, and despite closing out a try in the corner, RI let one in under the posts which was converted to put Boro 10-8 up and a final try as RI tried to counter made it 15-8.

Knaresborough - a combination of the club and St James School - lost 25-7 in the runners-up challenge trophy final against Guisborough at RI's New Lane ground.

Updated: 10:55 Friday, May 13, 2005