YORK RI RUFC ended their Yorkshire Three season with a 31-12 defeat at Thornensians.

In a typical end of season affair the strong wind and rock hard pitch made any form of open play a lottery.

Thornensians' tactics were clear fron the start, give the ball some height and let the unpredictable bounce do the rest. These tactics proved successful in the first half as Thorne scored three converted tries.

RI's pack had the upper hand but every time they got themselves into scoring positions mistakes were made and chances lost. The home side increased their lead early in the second half when poor tackling let in winger Cooper.

RI battled on and were rewarded when John Cooksey followed up a drive by Mike Duggan to scored wide out.

Enterprising play by Jon Paul Hogan pushed the visitors deep into Thornensians territory and when the ball was shipped out wide Tom Greaves jinked through the home defence. A penalty on the stroke of full time completed Thorne's victory.

Updated: 10:02 Monday, April 25, 2005