After a slow start, York RI gradually gained control to run out comfortable 23-6 winners in their Yorkshire Three match against a spirited Wath on Dearne side.

Playing against a strong breeze in the first half, RI soon found themselves behind when mistakes made under pressure allowed scrum half John Hunter to kick two penalties to give Wath a six point lead.

Stung by this setback, RI

started to make inroads into Wath territory, a series of forward drives by Duggan, Ashman and Austin almost brought scores with only dogged defence keeping them out.

After 25 mins RI eased in front, centre Paul Betts took a short pass from scrum half Ward, burst through the home defence and although tackled short of the line was able to pass to Nick Humphries, who scored under the posts.

Watson converted to give RI a one point lead at half-time.

With the breeze in their favour RI soon took control, breaks by Nash and Ward breached the home defence and although the danger was cleared Wath were again put under pressure.

A towering up and under by Betts was allowed to bounce by the Wath full back and before he could recover Tom Spillman raced in to collect the ball and cross in the corner.

Two penalties by Watson gave RI an 18-6 lead and with five minutes to go a flowing move by the backssaw Lightwing make the initial break before Adam Hacking drew the fullback and passed to Howard Reed for a touchdown.

Updated: 12:15 Monday, September 15, 2003