YORK RI RUFC avenged defeat to Mosborough earlier in the season with a 17-3 victory at New Lane which put them into promotion contention in Yorkshire Four.

The result, after an exciting game in which both sides showed plenty of ambition in attack, constantly playing from their own half, left RI fifth but only three points off second place.

They now have a weekend off before travelling to high-riding Hessle on December 1.

Mosborough applied early pressure but RI's defence was strong and, after withstanding the barrage, the hosts built their way into the game.

The rest of the half developed into a physical tussle, with both sides working good field positions and creating opportunities, but with both defences on top form.

With half-time approaching, RI struck. Some excellent footwork saw Tim Lewis find a gap and create a two-on-one alongside the supporting Adam Osguthorpe. The pass didn’t find its mark but was volleyed forward by Osguthorpe who got to the ball first and dribbled it in goal. The quick Mosborough full-back chased back well but the ball bounced away from him, allowing Osguthorpe to touch it down for a 5-0 interval lead.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Mosborough working their way into the RI 22.

More resolute defence prevented a try but the visitors got deserved reward in the form of a penalty goal.

The close battle continued with both sides again creating opportunities but missing them due to good defence combined with a couple of errors.

RI finally went further ahead midway through the half, with new signing Rich Tafa breaking a couple of tackles in midfield before offloading to winger and man-of-the-match Joe Field, who dragged a couple of defenders over the line for a 10-3 lead.

With Mosborough trying desperately to find an equaliser and playing from everywhere, more determined defence from RI kept them at bay.

Then, with the clock ticking down, another midfield break from Tafa gave him enough space to go over himself and add the conversion to seal victory.

RI's Yorkshire Four rivals, Nestle Rowntree, were without a game.