YORK RI suffered a late sucker punch in their 23-16 home defeat to a robust Corinthians side.

The hosts were well in the game when a suicidal pass was intercepted and the gift easily converted by the visiting fly half.

The No.10 added a further penalty before RI roared back with a penalty for Baptiste Brui followed by a try in the corner for Lee O'Brien.

Both sides then exchanged penalties for Corinthians to lead 16-11 before man of the match Ben Hartop went over to tie the scores.

RI hammered the visitors' line, only for them to foul three times – but no penalty try was forthcoming.

At the death, the away side cut through to score under the posts and take the game 23-16.