MALTON & Norton product Will Witty has made his bow for England Under-18s – much to the Gannock club’s delight.

Witty, who developed his skills as a mini, junior and colts player at Malton & Norton, has recently joined the Newcastle Falcons senior academy after impressing in ‘A’ League games.

A second-row, he represented his country in the game against Australia Schools at Harrow School, coming on as a replacement in the 23-3 victory.

Malton’s mini-junior chairman David Asquith said: “The club is once again so proud that one of our junior players has reached the standard to represent his country.“This is testament to the coaching Will has received at Malton & Norton over the years, not least from his father Peter, not to mention Mark Sykes in the mini days.

“Thanks also go to all those who run the club on a volunteer basis to give all youngsters the opportunity to enjoy rugby, develop their skills and to have the chance to play to the highest standards.

“Congratulations to Will for his hard work and deserved success.”

Falcons academy manager Mark Laycock is confident the 18-year-old, who now studies at Newcastle University, has a bright future.

“Will is a hard-working individual, who is always looking to learn in every training session,” he said.

“He’ll only continue to get better while at Newcastle Falcons, and if he keeps his head down he can go all the way.”