York RI staged a stunning recovery to defeat Yorkshire Three promotion-chasers Hemsworth 25-12 at New Lane.

Although having most of the first half possession RI failed to turn this into points and, as in the past, the fell behind to a breakaway try resulting from a mistake.

A missed clearance let Hemsworth winger Key run straight to the line.

Against the run of play the visitors extended their lead when on the half hour missed tackles let in flanker Evans.

A Matthew Yates penalty reduced the arrears, but 12-3 down at half-time was disappointing from a half that RI dominated.

Playing up the slope in the second half RI were soon into their stride and drove the Hemsworth pack back to their own line where, from the resulting ruck, scrum-half Nick Ward burrowed his way over.

With the score at 12-8 RI

could scent victory and after a penalty by Stuart Watson had reduced Hemsworth's lead to one point there was a second try by Ward, who pounced on a dropped Hemsworth pass and hacked on to win the race to the line, Watson converting.

RI sealed victory with five minuts left, Watson breaking through at centre to score a try to which he added the conversion.

RI can rightly be proud of the excellent defensive display that was at the heart of this win.

Updated: 10:40 Monday, January 13, 2003