JULIE Pease scored a hat-trick as newly-formed York RI RUFC's women's team beat Huddersfield 47-24 in a friendly encounter at New Lane.

Inside centre Pease got the ball rolling after five minutes, converting her own try but Huddersfield hit back almost immediately with an unconverted score.

RI's defence was solid under pressure and they managed further tries through Jo Parkes, Pease and Su Walker to lead 26-5 at the interval.

Ailsa Manners got on the scoresheet with tries by Pease and walker stretching RI's lead to 47-5.

As RI tied in the closing stages, Huddersfield grabbed three late touchdowns.

UP AND RUNNING: York RI RUFC's women's team, Back row, left to right: Vickie Robinson, Jess Frith, Julie Pease, Helen Bateman, Su Walker (captain), Vickie Whelan, Jo Parkes. Front row, left to right: Laura Craft, Phil Whitworth, Ailsa Manners, Rebecca Hayhurst, Jenny Pee.

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, March 11, 2004