YORK RI travelled to Hessle in Yorkshire Four without regular captain Frazer Land and lost 28-17 to a physically strong Humberside team.

RI opened the first half slowly, kicking off up the hill.

Some weak defending against strong carriers allowed Hessle all the way back up the pitch and over the try-line in just a few phases.

Hessle continued to dominate, and within a quarter of an hour, a second converted try was conceded in the same fashion.

The speedier visitors moved the ball well around the pitch, and opened up gaps in the Hessle defence which they were able to exploit.

A clean break in the centres created a good opportunity from a two-on-one against the full-back, but the chance was spurned as Andy Brentnall could only pass the ball to Danny Spencer’s ankles.

Spencer was able to make a breakthrough moments later though, ghosting through the home defence.

A Ben Hartop try closed the gap further, RI going into the break 14-10 down.

The second half followed a similar dynamic, but the RI’s defence this time was able to shut out the Hessle carriers.

As the scrum tired, however, the hosts were able to establish a platform, and forced two converted tries.

With ten minutes remaining, RI closed the gap again, with a touchdown and goal from a rolling maul, but the Hessle attack proved too much to overcome.