A DECISIVE try in a rugby semi-final has left a schoolboy with an agonising decision.

Matthew Tait, of Barnard Castle School, County Durham, must decide whether to accompany England under-19s to the world championships in South Africa or represent his school in the Daily Mail Cup final, at Twickenham.

Matthew scored in his school's 17-12 win over Campion School, Essex, on Saturday, to book a place in the final.

Barnard Castle led 17-0 before half-time, but Campion pulled back 12 points after the break, making Matthew's try decisive.

Martin Pepper, the school's rugby master, said: "The game wasn't good for my health as we took our foot off the pedal in the second half and it was very close.

"However, the team's done very well to get to Twickenham for the second year."

Matthew missed an England game against Ireland to play in the cup semi-final. He must now decide whether to play in the final or join the international team in Durban.

Mr Pepper said: "This will be a difficult task already and obviously Matthew would be massive loss.

"This must be an extremely difficult decision for him to take, and Matthew's very loyal and dependable, and knowing him, he won't want to upset anyone.

"Perhaps the decision should be taken away from him, but we haven't spoken to the England coaches yet."

Barnard Castle will play Colston's School, Bristol, on April 3. Colston's have won the competition six times and defeated Barnard Castle in a friendly tournament at the start of the season.