YORK RI will take on women’s rugby union's North Two East table-toppers Barnsley in fine fettle after a third superb win in succession - Tasmin Putt scoring six tries in a 71-0 thrashing of Morpeth.

Morpeth travelled with only 14 players so RI lent them Emma Imbert to make up the numbers.

The hosts were soon ahead as quick hands from a ruck created space for Putt to open the scoring.

RI's scrum, strong throughout, won turnover ball and number eight Lizzie Prance powered over, before Putt scored another two in quick succession as the back line utilised their speed and the width of the pitch.

Fellow wing Shannon Little also stormed home, Putt crossed twice more, and Freya Wilde took the interval score to 38-0.

Morpeth pressured RI early in the second half, particularly at the breakdown, but the home defence stood strong, full-back Rachel Demoraes making two try-saving tackles.

As they got back control, RI demonstrated their skill - Gemma Webster with a superb chip and chase to set up Putt's sixth try.

A turnover at a lineout also led to Little's second.

RI's forwards were impressive in open play as well as the set-piece and, following a rolling maul, Kirsty Parr peeled off blind and scored, before Adebisi Adedeji, who has made a great impact in the front row, brushed off three defenders to touch down.

The final two tries were scored by RI's newest players.

Charlotte Handley picked up from a ruck and powered over, and, from the restart, Wilde found space and popped the ball to Lucy Peet, who ran from her own half for her maiden touchdown.

Meanwhile, Nestle Rowntree men beat Harrogate Pirates 31-10 to reach the semi-finals of the North Yorkshire Trophy.

Gate crossed early on but gradually Trees made progress and, after ten minutes, hooker Jack Gabbatiss crashed over.

They still could not protect their own ball and after 20 minutes the Pirates went 10-5 up.

Trees began the second half in determined fashion after a pep talk by club captain Jamie Howard, who was back after a year out with injury.

A neat reverse pass from Jack Daniels saw wing Mike Palfrey scythe through, Dave Harder converting.

Trees were now dominating and good running rugby was rewarded with tries from Stu Dickinson, Rob Johnson and Ben Morrison, Jack Daniels converting two.