YORK RUFC 'A' were swept away by an early opening burst at Ripon, eventually losing 22-8.

They found themselves 15-0 down inside 15 minutes at Mallorie Park as the home side scored three tries.

Despite good work in the centres by Stu Davies and Jim Hawcutt in the loose, Ripon grabbed their fourth try.

York hit back straight away as a Tom Copeland penalty reduced the arrears to 22-3 at half-time.

York improved considerably after the break with Matt Halifax, Gareth Thomas and Hawcutt outstanding.

Copeland, spurning penalty shots in favour of long range touch kicks, kept the pressure on Ripon and York were eventually rewarded with a Rob Liddle try.

York RI Under 14s crashed 47-8 to a bigger Scarborough Under 14/15s side at Newby.

Scarborough were only able to impose themselves later in the game after being held 12-8 by RI in the opening 20 minutes.

Johnny Jackson scored RI's try, with Paul Fernanadez kicking a penalty. As RI started to fall behind, debutant Lewis Scott showed some neat touches and Chris Richards did his usual high stint of tackling.

York RI Veterans completed the double over York Cavaliers, beating them 19-13.

Updated: 10:49 Wednesday, March 26, 2003