ROWNTREES RUFC lost 22-5 at Harrogate thirds in a top of the table Merit League clash.

The game was evenly contested for 25 minutes, but two Harrogate tries in five minutes gave them a 14-0 lead.

On the stroke of half-time, ’Trees got back into it with a well worked move which saw centre Nick Thompson fly over for an unconverted try.

Harrogate then scored a penalty and a try to seal the victory.