YORK RI RUFC again travelled light with only a bare 15 players but they pushed hosts Halifax close before unluckily losing their Yorkshire Vase clash 23-17.

RI even played for an hour a man short after front-row stalwart Andy McCarthy departed with a leg injury, yet they eyed victory after Chris Jones' second try pulled them back to within one point before the hosts sealed victory with a late effort.

Lee O'Brien opened the scoring for RI with a penalty but McCarthy's exit afforded Halifax the space to score in the corner from a wide pass to take a 5-3 interval lead.

The second half started with another home try but Jones weaved magic to score under the posts for O'Brien to convert and level the scores at 10-10.

Halifax took advantage of the extra man to add a penalty followed by a third unconverted try but RI's 14 heroes would not lie down and O'Brien charged up the wing to slip the ball inside for Jones to score his second try and make it 18-17.

The visitors - led by captain Frazer Land in a super seven-man pack effort - strived for the win but the last word came from the home side in a thrilling game.

Meanwhile, Nestle Rowntree swept aside West Park 2nds in the Yorkshire Merit League to bag their biggest win for some time.

Trees had expected a hard game but, playing entertaining rugby with their resolute defence back on song, they racked up 12 tries in an 80-12 victory.

The forwards started strongly and driving runs gave the backs space to run, left-wing Dave Helsden opening the scoring after six minutes.

Hooker Jack Gabbatiss soon showed pace to score out wide and, while West were giving their all, they could not stop Trees centres Dave Straker and his replacement, Tom Dunmore, on his debut after joining from York Lokomotive ARLC, crossing.

Gabbatiss soon scored again and number eight Ian Henderson ran through tackles to the posts.

The second half saw more of the same, both sides having injuries but Trees adapting better.

Dan Crump scored next and, while West came back into it, quick-fire tries from wing Stu Dickinson and centre Elliott Morgan upped the lead further.

West never gave up and were rewarded with two tries either side of winger Mike Palfrey's touchdown at the other end.

But Trees then ran them ragged with two late tries from Dunmore and fly-half Jack Daniels on his 100th game for the club. Daniels also added the goals.