YORK RI fought valiantly before going down 16-3 at muddy Moortown in Yorkshire Three.

Heavy rain had made conditions sticky and most of the play in the first 15 minutes was concentrated in the middle third of the pitch as both packs attempted to get the upper hand.

From a mistake in the home backs Michael Tyrpenou put RI ahead with a 25-metre penalty only for Moortown to level ten minutes later with a penalty to make it 3-3 at half-time.

Moortown went in front immediately after the break when Farrer broke from the base of the scrum to feed centre Booth who crossed in the corner.

RI had their chances with Allport, Nash and Grice all going close but errors and stout defence kept the visitors out. A penalty on the hour gave Moortown an 11-3 lead.

RI were still in the game and were running at the home defence at every opportunity, however a Moortown try just before time ended the visitors' hopes.

Updated: 10:20 Monday, October 31, 2005