A MUCH-CHANGED Rowntree RUFC side played some exciting rugby to beat Thirsk 38-14.

A good kicking game early on saw Tom Atkinson land three penalties, a drop goal and a conversion, adding the extras to Dave Knock’s try, to give the York side a 19-7 lead at half-time.

The second half saw ’Trees open up with further tries by Ben Phillips, the energetic Ed Kemp and Chris Judge, with Atkinson converting two.

Ex-Rowntree prop Martin Sargent got one back for Thirsk.