MALTON & Norton Under-13s’ two-year unbeaten record at the Harrogate rugby festival has come to an end.

They finished third in the tournament held last Saturday - fighting back after losing their first pool match 12-5 to Middlesbrough.

Their try in that game was scored by George Austin-Thompson.

Needing to beat Scottish touring side Strathendrick to reach the semi-finals, Malton won 19-0 with Albert Pollard and Austin-Thompson (2) crossing the whitewash.

But the semi-final brought heartbreak as Malton, leading 7-5 through a converted Austin-Thompson try with minutes to go, saw old foes Hull Ionians pip them with a late try to go through 10-7.

Malton bounced back to secure third place with a 33-5 victory over a depleted Middlesbrough XV, tries coming from Archie Peckitt, Austin-Thompson (2) and a brace from Jack Villa-Fordon and conversions from Matthew Jefferson.

The following day, they visited an excellent Castleford XV who punished early uncertainty by running in six tries before half-time in a 57-14 victory.

An inspiring team talk at the interval saw a different Malt in the second half, with strong scrummaging providing the platform needed to launch their runners.

A series of entertaining moves culminated in two tries for Austin-Thompson, both converted by Iain Oakley.

Malton & Norton U12s lost to a touring Percy Park team 32-14.

Malt started slowly and the visitors took advantage with two tries in 10 minutes. Malt worked hard in defence, with some good tackling from the forwards, only for Percy Park to add a third try.

The hosts got on the scoreboard before the break when Thomas Barker intercepted a pass near the 22-metre mark to go over the try line.

Malton grew in confidence after the break and played some good passing rugby among the backs. They created chances, with Charlie Blackburn working hard and Benjie Wilson organising the pack.

Percy Park broke through to add three tries but Malt kept working together and got a deserved try when, following good work by Joe Edwards and Ben Atkinson, Oliver Kelsey showed a turn of speed to split the defence from half-way. Adam Finlinson converted both Malton tries.