YORK RUFC Under-13s racked up a sensational 19th trophy success out of a possible 20 with victory in the Gulliver's Festival at Twickenham - but it could well be their last.
Since coming together, the York juniors have dominated the local rugby union circuit and more than proved themselves on the national stage.
But after two Twickenham triumphs and four of the past five Yorkshire Cups, the side could split due to the forthcoming school commitments of almost half the side.
And if this season is their swan-song, they certainly didn't disappoint as they brought the curtain down with an 8-5 victory at the hallowed turf of Twickenham.
York started nervously against an impressive Worcester side who took the lead after a clever kick saw John Porter gather the loose ball to race home.
But from the restart York's forwards came to life and it was Worcester's turn to have their defence tested, with the Clifton Parkers looking certain to score from a rolling maul only for it to break down less than five yards short.
The York back line also went close as Peace went over only to have the ball kicked out of his hands while putting it down.
From the resulting scrum, York drove Worcester off the ball and No8 Michael Harrison attacked the blind side to be brought down inches short. However, the ball was recycled and moved wide for Seb Batchelor to cross.
York started the second half the stronger and dominated field position for nearly all the period but desperate defence and crucial errors allowed Worcester to survive and, with their blistering pace on their wings, they were always in with a chance.
But York's pressure was unrelenting and after winning a number of penalties, it was finally decided to kick for goal, with Peace slotting over the three-pointer from 22 yards.
York were almost home when in the dying seconds they kicked away possession needlessly and Worcester speedily took play up the other end, with York's Luke Bowler having to carry the ball over his own line and touch down.
Awarded an five-metre scrum, Worcester broke blind and Porter was stopped by an outstanding double tackle by Bowler and Batchelor.
The whistle went and York thought the game was over only to find they had been penalised for offside. Out of time, Worcester opted to kick for goal to square the match, but Gwynne missed the upright by inches to see York take the title.
Updated: 11:53 Friday, May 30, 2003
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