DESPITE losing stand-off Robin Grice during the warm up York RI put in a superb performance to defeat Thornensians 31-17 to gain promotion to Yorkshire Two.

RI took control from the start with Jeffreys, Cunliffe and Alexander making breaks deep into Thornensians territory. It was only a matter of time before the pressure told and after ten minutes a break by Jeffreys saw the ball recycled and shipped out to Nick Humphries who crashed under the posts for Michael Tyrpenou to convert.

A touch of class by Tyrpenou extended the visitors' lead. He seemed to have nowhere to go, but he weaved past four defenders to touch down under the posts.

A penalty on the half hour put RI 17-0 ahead but Thornensians reduced the arrears when a cross kick by Stafford was collected by winger James who squeezed in at the corner.

This jolted RI into action and they went 24-5 ahead when Jeffreys was on hand to take a pass from Allport to barge his way over.

Thornensians rallied early in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts when Watson found space to score wide out.

But any hopes of a revival were soon dashed when a wayward pass was intercepted by Tyrpenou, who raced the length of the field to score. Thorne scored a consolation try with five minutes remaining.

Updated: 10:49 Monday, April 24, 2006