YORK RI's league season ended on Saturday when a much-changed side went down 38-12 to a rejuvenated Hemsworth team.

Playing against a strong breeze and up the slope in the first half, RI were soon on the defensive as Hemsworth's big pack, led by number 8 Connor, attacked the visitors' line.

It was only some heroic defending and the trusty boot of Matthew Yates that kept the home side out.

Hemsworth's pressure eventually told when after 30 minutes a break from the base of the scrum saw winger Adams cross in the corner.

A further try by scrum half Foster saw Hemsworth open up a ten-point lead before a brace of Yates penalties reduced the deficit.

Hemsworth's lead was extended with a penalty by Hudson before Yates struck again to leave the score at 16-12 going into the half-time interval.

RI started the second half well but Hemsworth's experience began to tell and four more tries - one of which was converted - saw them run out comfortable 38-12 winners.

With the league challenge now out of the way, RI will be focussing on the tough task of beating Malton and Norton in the Yorkshire Shield on Wednesday.

The game at The Gannock kicks off at 7.30pm, with the winners travelling to Keighley next Saturday for the semi-final.

Updated: 11:28 Monday, April 19, 2004