YORK RI II overcame a strong Thirsk side 26-17 to make it four wins out of five in the Central Merit Table.

In an open, entertaining game, RI moved the ball well and scored an early try from a blistering 60 metre run by Matt Sherrington-Lucas.

RI's forwards had a slight edge in the loose, led by man of the match hooker Alex De’lay who created opportunities for Yohan Bathelemy and captain Chris Morley to score.

Thirsk hit back each time and it needed a final try by 55-year-old veteran Howard Reed to wrap up this win. Morley also added three conversions.