York Railway Institute RUFC to celebrate promotion from Yorkshire Four

9:42am Friday 16th April 2010

By Steve Carroll

The New Laners ascended from Yorkshire Four last week without having to make a single tackle – after opponents Leeds Medics and Dentists were forced to concede after being unable to raise a front row.

RI can’t finish worse than second in the table, so promotion is just reward for a super season for the New Laners which has seen them lose only four times in 21 matches.

Two of those defeats came to champions Rotherham Phoenix, by a point and three points, and, for a club which has struggled to win matches in recent years, there is delight that the Railwaymen have come good this time.

RI go to Adwick-le-Street for their last match tomorrow and club spokesman Nigel Lowrey said a number of supporters plan to make the trip to celebrate their rise to Yorkshire Three in style.

“We have played well this season and it will be great to get back into Yorkshire Three next year,” he said. “Now is the time to think about recruitment and get some new players in for next season.

“Our coach, Andy Daw, has done a great job and it is nice to be able to relax going into our final game. We are delighted to have had such a great season.”

Malton & Norton will look to round off a pulsating last few months by beating Scarborough in their final game of the Yorkshire One campaign.

The Gannock-based club had victory snatched away from them last weekend as York came from 22-11 behind with five minutes to play to win 25-22.

Although that was a heart-breaking defeat, Malton should console themselves with the tremendous strides they have made recently – and take that into this weekend’s battle against their East Coast neighbours.

Having been dead and buried at Christmas, Malton’s successful battle against relegation has been simply sensational and, if they can finally enjoy a good start to the season in September, this side could press their claims at the top of the division.

Much of that will depend on the continued form of key players like Teei Piawi, number eight Sam Triffitt and prop Paul Dobson who have all been in brilliant form as Malton have climbed up the table.

Currently in 11th spot, the Ryedale side will overtake Scarborough with a win – as both are locked on 20 points for the season.

York have completed their Yorkshire One season following last weekend’s come from behind derby win against Malton & Norton and are without a game.