YORK Railway Institute produced a battling display against Burley and restored an element of lost pride.

Although ultimately going down 12-8, it was a vast improvement on the performance that resulted in a 45-0 defeat at Burley in October.

It looked ominous again when Burley scored an unconverted try in the opening minute – but this early setback served to stir RI into action and man of the match Francky Rossi raced 20 metres before putting in a kick for Chris Jones to score in the corner.

Playing good rugby and scrumming well, RI were awarded a penalty which was converted by Jones and led 8-5 at the interval.

The second half was a battle and either side might have won. Unfortunately for RI, it was Burley who scored a converted try to secure victory.

Nestle Rowntree romped to a 46-0 victory against Selby 3rds in the YRFU Central and North Merit League division one.

Trees had to reshuffle their team due to a number of late call-offs but still turned in a dominant display.

Centre Dave Straker scored after three minutes, with Jack Daniels converting.

Selby had more of the possession but Trees tackled superbly and were often unstoppable in attack.

Wing forward Alex Robertshaw powered over on 17 minutes and Daniels again converted.

Selby could do nothing when Trees’ forwards rucked and mauled for second-rower Dan Crawforth to score.

Trees opened up in the second half and, after Daniel scored a penalty, the backs took advantage, with Dave Harder scoring twice, makeshift hooker Phil Thompson barging over and Straker powering over for the second time in the game.

Daniels converted twice to give Trees an impressive win.