A LATE try finally ended QEGS' hopes of winning the Lancashire Schools Under 18s Cup after a battling performance.

The Blackburn school got to within five points of Cowley before scoring with a pushover try three minutes from time which was converted by Graham Rose.

However, Cowley broke away and scored a penalty and converted the try to seal victory.

Cowley opened up a 12-0 lead before QEGS' bigger pack -- led by captain and number eight Cameron Atkinson -- took a stranglehold on possession and after a long spell of pressure scored a try from a line-out to go in at the break 12-5 down.

The St Helen's school made a bright start to the second half and extended their lead with a try by Cottington. QEGS responded strongly and their pack dominated for a long spell which resulted with a pushover try converted by Rose.

But Cowley sealed victory when Picton slotted over a penalty from 40 yards before scoring a converted try under the posts.

QEGS will now be looking to shake off the disappointment of their cup final defeat when they compete in the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens in London later this week.

And at the end of the month, the QEGS rugby squad leaves for a three match tour of Italy.

The squad, under the management of teachers Mark Evans and Roderick Duke, will be training at Jesolo RFC near Venice and will play three fixtures against local sides.

QEGS...12 COWLEY SCHOOL...27