It a was job done for Old Rishworthians as they ensured their Yorkshire II status for next season with a 43-5 win over Roundhegians which took them above their opponents.
The game was a vital one for the Copley club as their two remaining fixtures are against clubs striving for promotion and it also meant it put them clear of the relegation places.
It was a nervous start by both teams in an error-strewn opening 15 minutes, but eventually Rishworthians took the lead.
Locks Frank Watene and Jioti Bakoso combined well and, although the ball went loose, flanker Richard Wild picked up to score – full-back Joe Billing added the conversion.
The home side went further ahead when player-coach Damian Ball jinked his way over and Billing converted.
Rishworthians then seemed to lose their way and were on the defensive for the rest of the half. The visitors cut the arrears by half-time with a try in the corner by the right wing, who gathered a clever crossfield kick.
Soon after the restart Billing stretched the lead with a penalty and the home side scored again when from a scrum the ball came to centre Kurt Sutcliffe, who put left wing Anthony Shoesmith in wide out.
Scrum half Gary Morris then stole the ball in a tackle and put Sutcliffe in for the bonus point try and with Rishworthians rampant, No 8 James Clarke crashed over from a tap penalty – Billing converted both touchdowns.
Near the end, Hoyle and Watene sent Sutcliffe in for his second try and Billing converted to round off a convincing win.
In North I east Old Crossleyans notched their second draw of the season as they were held 13-13 at home to West Hartlepool.
Old Brodleians cut loose in Yorkshire I as they won 50-24 at home to Bridlington, while in Yorkshire IV there was a home win for Halifax 24-16 against Old Otliensians, but an away defeat for Halifax Vandals, who went down 18-7 at Leeds Corinthians.
