Despite giving a spirited display York RI's injury-hit side were beaten 44-12 in their Yorkshire Three match at Northallerton on Saturday.

Northallerton took an early lead when their right winger pounced on a misdirected pass and ran 20 yards to score in the corner.

RI were soon level when, after a period of sustained pressure, Garrett Mallon forced his way over for a try.

As the half wore on, RI's pack began to struggle against Northallerton's bigger more mobile eight and they went behind on the half hour when the home side scored two tries and a penalty in a ten minute spell.

Both tries were the result of rolling mauls from pick-ups at set scrums. A second penalty given for offside saw Northallerton go into the break 25-5 ahead.

Three second half tries, one of which was converted, gave Northallerton an unassailable lead.

However, York RI stuck to their task and ended the scoring with a Fatai Oketete try converted by Tim Thomas to make the final score 44-12.

Updated: 10:31 Monday, February 14, 2005