YORK RI visited high flying Leeds Corinthians without several regular players and suffered a 38-8 reversal in Yorkshire Four.

A Chris Jones penalty gave RI the lead but Corinthians scored just before the interval with an overlap in the corner to lead 8-3

In the second half, Corinthians used the strong wind to help them run in three tries and three penalties.

To their credit, RI scrummed well and were rewarded with a brilliant pick up by man of the match Jones.

The home side used their big replacements well as RI tired which made the scoreline flattering.

RI Ladies, meanwhile, lost 31-0 against Barnsley in the second round of the RFU Women’s Junior Cup.

Barnsley are currently top of the table in Women’s North One so the tie was always going to be a test for RI who are top of the Women’s NC North Two East.

The conditions were cold and damp and the game was not as fast paced as previous encounters.

The first half was fairly even and RI proved how strong they were defensively and repeatedly kept Barnsley from scoring.

However, the pressure proved too much and Barnsley went over the line.

RI finished the first half only 7-0 down which seemed to frustrate the visitors.

The second half saw Barnsley step up their game and dominate possession.

RI were also struck by two key injuries and had exhausted the few substitutes they had early on.

Despite continuing to defend impressively, the lack of fresh legs affected RI.

Barnsley brought on substitutes who had a great impact and the gaps started to open up.

Barnsley scored four tries and one penalty to win the game.

RI Ladies should not be disheartened as they put in a great performance against strong opposition. Barnsley’s points tally was their lowest in a game this season having scored more against five different clubs in the higher tier.

RI’s next game is away at Scarborough on November 13.