Old Rishworthians lost at home to Barnsley 39-32 in their Yorkshire II clash despite a strong finish to the game.

Rishworthians were left ruing a poor start against the league leaders gifting Barnsley an early try.

The visitors looked set to extend their lead as they camped on the home line, but Joe Billing narrowed the deficit with a penalty.

The Copley side then took the lead as Anthony Shoesmith scored in the corner with Billing adding the extras, as well as a penalty soon after

However, Barnsley dug deep and controlled the match from that point, going into the break 19-13 in front.

But it was Old Rishworthians slow start in the second half which cost them the match.

Barnsley raced to a commanding 39-18 lead, capitalising on poor defensive errors from the home side.

Ryan Mudd did score a try to narrow the margin and they continued their fight back with a try from Bruce Karola who crashed over.

This was shortly followed by a second try for Shoesmith who got on the end of a Matthew Hunt-Brown pass with less than a minute remaining.

Billing kicked the conversions which sealed a consolation point for the home side.

The bonus point means Rishworthians lie eighth in the table and Barnsley remain top of Yorkshire II, extending their winning streak to four games.

Results, North Est I: Old Crossleyans 17 West Hartlepool 25

Yorkshire I: Old Brodleians 18 Doncaster Phoenix 30, Wath Upon Dearne 22 Heath 3

Yorkshire IV: Halifax 94 Knaresborough 0, Halifax Vandals 6 Wetherby 40