YORK RI missed a chance to close the gap to Yorkshire Four's top three when losing 24-17 at home to Ossett in a scrappy match.

After beating leaders Rotherham Phoenix the previous week, RI were keen to avenge their biggest loss of term away to Ossett, yet only managed a losing bonus point.

RI began strongly, forcing the visitors backwards and turning the ball over, and fly-half Baptiste Briu - back in the team - used lovely footballing skills to find number eight Adam Osguthorpe, who touched down. Briu converted.

Ossett insisted on kicking the ball away and RI's outside backs returned it well only for soft errors to prevent scores.

However, after a bright opening 15 minutes, RI then fell away, with Ossett taking control through their powerful ball carriers and simple but effective rugby.

They bagged two first-half converted tries in similar fashion - the ball being recycled in the pack before going to the backs to break through. An additional penalty made it 17-7.

The second period continued in similar style - Ossett hammering away through their big carriers, and RI struggling to contain them. It brought another converted try 10 minutes in.

In the last 15, RI reverted to the formula that served them well during the first 15 - moving the ball wide. It paid off as Tim Lewis freed Owain Jones-Llewellyn to score, Briu converting.

Some aimless kicking cost RI possession, but they did force a goal-able penalty, Briu taking the points to secure the losing bonus point.

Prop Alec Webster was man of the match, but there was little else for RI to savour.