YORK RI RUFC Ladies gave one of their best performances of the Women's North Two East season to beat Scarborough Valkyries 34-0 in a battle for second place in the table.

RI were keen to build on their comprehensive win last week but expected a tough game like the last encounter between the teams.

Countering windy conditions, RI started strongly, recycling the ball quickly at rucks. This work by the pack helped the back line make good runs and some great interplay saw Tasmin Putt tear down the wing to open the scoring, Freya Wilde converting

York RI continued to control the game, with Valkyries having little possession. After a great tackle into touch by Kirsty Parr, RI secured their lineout and the forwards worked upfield.

Parr then picked up from a ruck and, with no one guarding the blind side, she scored RI's second try.

With the wind behind them, RI spent most of the second half camped in Scarborough's 22.

After Brooke Charlton was controversially denied a try by the referee, RI finally saw their efforts rewarded from a quick tap penalty.

Wilde fed Vicki Woodgate, who used strength to get over the try line.

RI’s backs began to make hay, Gemma Webster making some great lines as she stepped in at fly-half. As RI continually punished Boro with kicks deep into their territory, Brooke Charlton and Rachel Demoraes pressured them with every tackle.

RI dominated the scrums, too, and, when they turned one over on five metres, Wilde sent winger Shannon Little over, Wilde converting.

After RI turned over another scrum, Lauren Van Buuren went blind and, although she was tackled short, Adebisi Adedeji picked up and powered over.

Again from a scrum turnover, scrum-half Katie Rushton went blind and popped the ball to Tasmin Putt, who scored her second.

Van Buuren and Wilde were the players of the match.

York RI Ladies train on Tuesdays at 7pm at New Lane and are always looking for new players of any experience. For details, phone Fiona on 07532 232287.

Meanwhile, Nestle Rowntree RUFC men fell 24-12 away to West Park Leeds 3rds.

Trees matched their strong opposition for possession but a few unforced errors cost them, including a miscommunication that allowed Park to open the scoring.

Trees countered and, after a few drives, were rewarded with a try by centre Rob Johnson on the back of a darting run from scrum-half Romain Cames.

The second half saw Trees on top but they could not force their way over and, when Trees lost possession, the hosts' speedy backs scored two quick tries to lead 19-5.

Back came Nestle and, after a few forward drives, Greg Neill charged over, Jack Daniels converting.

But Park made wholesale changes and a late score sealed their win.