YORK Rugby Union Club's Under 12s amazing four-year unbeaten Yorkshire Cup run came to an end against Malton and Norton at Clifton Park.

Malton and Norton, last year's beaten finalists, gained revenge in a thrilling game by winning by a single try.

Both sides had been impressive in the opening group stages of the competition with York dismissing North Ribbledale 28-0, Middlesbrough 28-0 and Selby 7-0 without conceding a single point.

Harrison scored the only try against Selby with Leigh converting. Leigh kicked eight conversions in the other two pool games. Tries against Ribb and Boro came from Fraser, Hawking, Ashman (2), Leigh, Milligan, Drabble and Batchelor.

In the other pool, Malton beat Huddersfield 21-0, Otley 14-0 and Sandal 14-0 with ease to set up the final clash with York.

York were held up on Malton's try-line twice as they started strongly. In the second half Malton took the lead with a score in the corner following two quick penalties. It was the only try York have conceded in the Cup in the last three years.

York rallied but were continually held up by the Malton defence.

Malton's try-scorers in the competition were Chris Pearce (5), Ollie Denton, James Zillerson and Jacob Webb. Pearce kicked eight conversions.

York Under 14s lost another tight encounter at Clifton Park when they went down 5-0 to Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Cup quarter-finals.

The young Dalesmen were impressive in the earlier rounds in beating Pocklington and Ilkley. York matched Wharfedale until the last five minutes when they notched a decisive try.

Updated: 11:48 Wednesday, February 06, 2002