YORK RI ran out comfortable 36-9 winners over a Castleford side that are fighting for their Division Three status to give flanker Nathan Ashman the perfect going away present.

RI's eighth league win in a row was never really in doubt as Michael Tyrpenou slotted over a fifth-minute penalty.

Although winger Parker levelled the score a second Tyrpenou penalty eased RI in front again. Astute kicking from stand-off Robin Grice drove Cas back into their own 22-metre area where a knock-on presented RI the put-in the scrum.

The ball was picked up by Ashman, playing in his final game for the club, and fed to Humphries who cut back and fed Reed who scored.

A head injury to influential second row Ian Jeffreys saw Garrett Mallon move to fill the void and Justin Hardman to flanker. A second penalty by Parker reduced the arrears but RI went into the break 14-6 ahead.

RI showed why they are top of the league after the interval by dominating. They went further ahead when a quick throw-in on the half way line the ball was flung wide for Tyrpenou to sprint 30 metres and dive in at the posts. His conversion put RI 21-6 ahead.

Parker's third penalty was Cas' last score before the RI pack drove for position before releasing the backs resulting in two tries - one converted by Tyrpenou - for Robin Grice who found gaps opening in front of him.

Updated: 11:18 Monday, January 30, 2006