MALTON and Norton made it to their second successive final in the John Smith's Pocklington Sevens on Good Friday, but, like last year, they had to settle for second place.

They lost 33-24 to London-based Prowling Pretenders after reaching the final with victories over Harrogate (21-7), York RI (17- 0) and Brookfield (26-7).

Anthony Phillips made a triumphant return to East Yorkshire with the Prowling Pretenders, who won the 46th Pocklington Sevens event at the fifth attempt.

Phillips, who grew up locally, got a side together five years ago as part of his 21st birthday celebrations.

They enjoyed themselves so much that they have come back every year since, improving each year along the way.

This time they were deserved winners of the Fowler Trophy in front of a bumper 2,500 crowd.

They beat Driffield narrowly, 17-10, and put out favourites Ronin Impact 17-7 in an epic quarter-final, before winning 25-7 against Fijian-packed German visitors Gutersloh to reach the final.

In the final against Malton and Norton, the Prowling Pretenders established an early lead. But in an end-to-end game, Malton hung in before scoring two second-half tries to get back in contention and give the Prowling Pretenders some anxious moments.

In the plate competition, Knottingley, last year's late runners-up, went one better this time, beating Birmingham Sportex 34-12 in the final.

For more action, visit www.thisisryedale.co.uk

Updated: 12:16 Wednesday, April 14, 2004