YORK City Knights Under-16s ended their scholarship mini-season on a losing note but it was nevertheless a fine campaign for the youngsters.

The Knights lost 48-16 to their counterparts from Super League club Huddersfield, to end their term with three defeats – all to top-tier clubs in Castleford, Hull KR and the Giants – and three wins, over Super League big-guns Bradford and Championship duo Fea-therstone and Sheffield.

The Knights scored first away to Huddersfield and were well in the game at 16-10 down at half-time but they missed key loose-forward Chris Brining, who broke his nose against Hull KR, and they paid for unforced errors as the Giants went clear after scoring immediately following the break.

Knights tries came from winger Jack Townsend, who moved to second-row in the second half, scrum-half Matt Brewer, with a long interception effort, and centre Nathan Hammond. Tom Holmes added two conversions.

Scholarship manager Adam Prentis said the U16s’ efforts against clubs from higher divisions had been excellent, and that the club were hoping to parade them at Huntington Stadium tomorrow at the Knights’ Championship One match against Blackpool – schoolwork permitting.

Knights director of rugby Dave Woods said: “I’d like to congratulate Adam and the U16s boys on the way they have played this year.

“It is a great achievement for them to perform the way they have and I’m really looking forward to working with some of these boys in the future.”