INJURIES hit York RI U14s expensively in the final ten minutes as they lost 60-36 to Middlesborough.

The big experienced Boro side were quickly into their stride and raced to a 17-0 lead before RI showed their mettle with tries by Tom Elliot and Adam Duffield. Elliot added a conversion to cut the deficit to five points.

Storming play with Alex Harris and Richard Rogers outstanding in the pack saw RI through to a 31-29 lead with only ten minutes to go.

Johnny Jackson, Tom Elliot (2), and Duffield scored RI's tries, Elliot tagging on two conversions.

But a string of injuries culminating with Craig Musgrove going off enabled Middlesbrough to pull clear.

York RI U16s found hosts Old Brodelians short of players for their second round Yorkshire Cup tie.

That broke regulations so Old Brods had to concede the tie but RI volunteered to make up numbers so everyone got a game.

After RI's Craig Winnit scored early against his club-mates the visitors contrived a thrilling exhibition to win 25-19 with tries shared by Mark Musgrove, Josh Binns and Tom Heslop. Lloyd Carlton crowned a fine game at prop forward with two tries.

Updated: 11:13 Tuesday, October 15, 2002