Old Rishworthians got their Yorkshire II campaign off to a flying start with a bonus point 44-29 victory at Sheffield Medical.
The Copley outfit scored six tries and played some attacking rugby, but coach Damian Ball knows there are a number of things to work on if his side are to progress.
From the start they were on top with full-back Matthew Hunt-Brown, on his return to the club, and new centre Taniela Bakoso prominent.
Rishworthians went behind to a penalty but came straight back, moving the ball from a scrum for Hunt-Brown to score the first of his two tries. Left wing Joe Billing converted.
Bakoso and fellow centre Kurt Sutcliffe combined well to put right wing Danny Hoyle over in the corner. Sutcliffe then picked up a loose ball and ran in wide out.
Rishworthians looked set for a further try until an interception brought a converted score for Medicals.
It spurred them on and pressure on the visitors’ line brought a penalty try and conversion to level.
Centre Bakoso then powered over and Billing converted to make it 24-17 to the visitors at half-time.
Medicals opened the second half strongly, squeezing over for an unconverted try.
The visitors dominated the rest of the play. First Billing extended the lead with two penalties, then they scored a ‘team’ try with several players involved before Hunt-Brown completed the move for his second try.
Billing converted and then forced a loose ball, kicked on and raced through to touch down and convert his own try.
Near the end the visitors eased off and allowed the home side to drive in for a converted bonus point try.
In North I East Old Crossleyans started their season with a home defeat as they were beaten 23-16 by Wheatley Hills.
Heath began their campaign in style as the West Vale side were winners at home to Hullensians 18-11 in Yorkshire I, but their divisional rivals Old Brodleians were defeated at Yarnbury 23-11.
In Yorkshire IV there was a good away win for Halifax at Sheffield Oaks 27-7, while Halifax Vandals were beaten 47-0 at Mosborough.
