YORK RI saw victory snatched from their grasp in a dramatic finale at home to Yorkshire 4 newcomers Stanley Rodillians.

Leading 17-11, RI conceded a penalty on the last play which gifted Rodillians a try. The off half held his nerve to convert and seal an 18-17 away win.

Rodillians are a well drilled outfit and initially took a 3-0 lead with a well taken penalty.

This stirred RI into action and Tim Lewis made a great break to send the ever dependable Andy Brentnall in at the corner.

On the half hour, captain Frazer Land made one of his strong breaks and slipped the ball to Ben Hartop who scored to give York RI a 12-3 lead at the interval.

Rodillians hit back with a penalty and, with RI taking their foot off the gas, this allowed the visitors to score a try and move within point at 12-11.

Brentnall made another of his breaks to feed Lewis before Baptiste Brui added the extras to lead 17- 11.

But the late slip proved costly. If RI cut out the habit of giving away soft penalties, they will be a good side.

Nestle Rowntrees started the season in the North Yorkshire Merit League with victory away at Ossett 2nds.

After a few late call offs, Trees had re-arranged the team and it looked as if they were suffering no ill effects when they raced into a 12- 0 lead inside 15 minutes.

New captain Greg Neill crashed over and John Thomson went over after good work from the forwards. Dave Harder converting one.

Ossett then put Trees under pressure and they stormed back with three tries to lead 19-12 at the break.

Trees bounced back after the break when second row Tom Eaton weaved his way over from 50 yards out. The conversion was missed but Dave Harder made amends with a penalty to give Trees the lead. This was followed by tries from Chris Cook and John Thomson to give Trees a 30-19 lead. Ossett scored another a try before a late Harder penalty a 33-24 win for Trees.