NESTLE Rowntree RUFC lost 43-5 at leaders Ossett in Yorkshire Four - but the result was not a fair reflection of their efforts.

A depleted and much-changed Trees team - they only had 17 players due to injuries - were on top for long periods but that did not show on the scoreboard.

They will now be hoping for more luck when they host Mosborough on Saturday as they seek a first win in their fourth league outing.

From the kick-off Ossett came forward with strong running but Trees met them with solid defence only for an error to allow the home side to spin the ball out wide and open the scoring after 25 minutes.

Nestle came back and, from a lineout, Jack Gabbatiss, playing at prop, crashed over to level the scores.

Trees were playing well but Ossett's defence held firm and, from an incursion into the visitors' half, they retook the lead - a apparent knock-on and forward pass being missed by the officials.

Worse followed for Trees as two new injuries left them disjointed them and Ossett scored again near half-time.

Trees pressed forward after the break but a missed tackle saw Ossett cross once more.

The York side never gave up but could not score and, with five forwards now filling in in the backs, they were always struggling for pace.

Ossett took advantage late on with three further tries.

York RI, meanwhile, narrowly lost 18-15 at Mosborough and will look to bounce back at home to Hessle on Saturday.