YORK RI were in impressive form as they beat Ilkley 16-8 in their Yorkshire League division two encounter at New Lane.

The bedrock of the home side's performance was a solid display by the backs and an excellent kicking game by stand-off Matthew Yates and centre John Armstrong, who repeatedly gained good field position for their team.

RI were 13-3 up at half-time thanks to a try by Andy Morse which was converted by Stuart Watson, who also kicked a couple of penalties.

Watson was on the mark again when Ilkley transgressed midway through the second half to virtually seal victory and the visitors' only real joy came in the final minute with a try.

RI entertain Keighley at new lane next week.

Pocklington suffered their usual post-Pocklington Sevens hangover as they failed to get going at Hull Ionians and lost 24-0 in a club game.

Pocklington spent most of the first quarter of an hour on the offensive without ever really looking likely to make a breakthrough.

Centre Guy Wilson and wing Tim Bolton ran strongly at times but generally they received slow ball from most phases.

On the other hand, Ionians showed an ability to go up a gear when an opportunity arose and the home side scored with their first real attack then added two long-range tries in quick succession.

Pocklington's best moments came either side of the interval with some strong forward drives but on the one occasion they thought they had scored through hooker Alex Brown, the referee was unsighted and Ionians cleared.

Pocklington livened up somewhat in the final quarter but Ionians sealed their victory with a late try from a tap penalty.

Updated: 11:51 Monday, April 01, 2002