YORK RI earned their place in the fifth round of the Junior Cup with a hard fought 16-13 win on a cold damp day at Stocksbridge.

Kicking down the slope in the first half, RI started sharply and only dogged defence by Stocksbridge stopped Austin and Alexander from scoring.

RI eventually opened the scoring when Watson kicked the first of his three penalties.

This lead was almost immediately cancelled out when Stocksbridge fly- half Francis dropped a goal.

A second Watson penalty plus a try from the lively Tim Barley converted by Watson gave RI a 13-3 lead and a little breathing space, but on the stroke of half-time Francis reduced the arrears with a penalty.

Against the elements in the second half it was RI's turn to defend.

Stocksbridge, content to play close to the scrum, kept battering the RI line, with No 8, Raynor prominent, but RI stood firm and through astute kicking by Armstrong gradually worked their way into their opponents territory and safety.

However, the game was far from over and from a typical Stocksbridge drive, they worked their way to the RI line, where hooker Conroy plunged it over. Francis converted to tie the scores and set up a nerve racking final ten minutes.

It was RI who held their nerve and when Stocksbridge were penalised for killing the ball and then penalised ten yards for back chat, Watson stepped up to win the game with his third penalty.

Updated: 11:41 Monday, November 26, 2001