YORK RI's lack of match fitness showed as they lost 33-8 to Yorkshire Three leaders Barnsley in their first league outing since December 18.

However, they can take credit from their second-half show as a 50-point mauling had looked on the cards as RI trailed 33-3 at half-time but they dug in and grew stronger in the second period, keeping Barnsley from scoring again.

A penalty by Matthew Yates after five minutes of the first half had put RI in front but this lead was short-lived.

The hosts' mobile back row were quicker to breakdowns and started to drive RI back and, although the visitors defended well, their line was breached twice by speedy winger Clarkson in a ten-minute spell.

RI's fortunes got worse with the loss of scrum-half Lloyd and stand-off Yates with injuries and by the time they had reorganised, three further tries and a second penalty had given Barnsley a 30-point half-time lead.

The second half was a different story though as RI started to make inroads.

Driving runs from Mallon, Alexander and Thomas caused panic in the home defence and from one the ball was carried on by Thomas who, when tackled close in, fed Cooksey to crash over.

Updated: 11:19 Monday, January 31, 2005