YORK RI RUFC and Nestle Rowntree served up an entertaining Yorkshire Four derby clash - the Institute prevailing 27-19 in front of a healthy crowd.

It was the first league encounter between the sides in living memory and both teams played their part in a good game, RI effectively winning it in the first half before Trees narrowed the gap in the second.

Both sides defended well early on but, on an RI attack, Trees had hands in the ruck and Baptist Briu duly converted the penalty.

RI were soon on the attack again and after a series of drives the ball was spun wide and Frank Rossi exploited a gap to score, Briu converting.

As Nestle appeared to be getting back in the game, RI recovered possession and a snap drop-kick from distance by Briu gave them an early 13-0 lead.

Trees responded and, after their forwards dr0ve for the line, a good cross-field kick saw full-back Keenan Rushworth fly in to touch down on the hour mark.

RI then extended their lead, though, when they exploited the gaps again for both Otis Piercy and the returning Tim Lewis to score, the latter after a long time out through injury.

Briu converted both tries to give them a 27-5 lead at the break.

Rowntree won the second half. From the restart they surged forward and a rolling maul saw hooker Ryan Roodt crash over with Dave Harder converting.

A rejuvenated home team then put RI under a lot of pressure but their defence was holding strong until an infringement at a driving maul saw the referee award a penalty try after 70 minutes.

Trees went looking for a bonus point but RI held firm for the victory.