York RI Rugby Union Club ended their season on a high with a magnificent 32-24 Yorkshire Three victory at home to promotion-chasing Bradford Salem.

Missing several regular players, things started badly for RI when, after ten minutes, the visitors' stand-off was allowed to jink through the home defence to give Salem a 7-0 lead.

Undeterred by this early setback, RI put together a series of forward drives that took them deep into Salem's territory.

This pressure resulted in the visitors conceding two penalties, both of which were kicked by Matthew Yates to reduce the lead to a single point.

On the half hour Salem extended their lead when their No 8 picked up at the base of the scrum and dived over.

With both sides attempting to keep the game open the odd

mistake was bound to occur and when Salem's winger spilled a high ball RI's Nick Ward was on hand to gather and sprint 20 metres to the line. Yates' conversion cut the deficit to 14-13.

With the second half only two minutes old, RI took the lead for the first time, Paul Reed taking the ball cleanly in the line and being driven over by the

rest of the pack.

The lead did not last long as Salem hit back with a try of

their own, Clenk scoring after a strong forward drive.

With Salem leading 21-20, the game was evenly poised. Chances went begging for both sides before determined running by Tim Nash saw him touch down in the corner.

Leading 25-21, RI were rampant. After good work by the tireless Alexander the ball was taken on by Mallon, who was held inches short of the line. However, he made the ball available and Jonathon Sowray was there to score.

Watson's conversion gave RI a 32-21 lead and virtually put the game out of Salem's reach.

They kicked a penalty on the stroke of time, but RI were well worth their victory.

Updated: 11:29 Monday, April 21, 2003