Old Rishworthians managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in an uninspiring 12-10 defeat at Leodiensians in Yorkshire II.

Neither side was really able to get going or show any cohesion in a game that had more stoppages than actual play.

The referee seemed to find an offence at almost every breakdown and sprinkled yellow cards around like confetti – six in all in a well-fought game totally devoid of foul-play incidents.

The last card was a crucial one, and a hotly-disputed one for Rishworthians, which led to the winning try with the last move of the match.

It was 3-0 at half-time thanks to a Joe Billing penalty, although Rishworthians had their chances early on and might have scored from the kick-off, but the final tackle stopped left wing Anthony Shoesmith.

Then they spent long periods on the back foot, however the defence never looked likely to be breached.

Early in the second half Rishworthians got the breakthrough. Centre Taniela Bakoso picked up a loose ball and raced to the line. Billing converted.

It looked as if the visitors might take away the points until the last five minutes when a missed tackle – one of the few in the game – allowed the home side in for a converted try.

Even then it looked as if Rishworthians might hang on until Shickell was binned for what was deemed a high tackle.

Two minutes later Shoesmith went after jumping on an opponent’s back in what was also regarded as a high tackle.

Leos used the overlap from the penalty to score in the opposite corner.

Results, North I East: Sheffield 27 Old Crosselyans 22

Yorkshire I: Heath 14 Old Brodleians 3

Yorkshire II: Leodensians 12 Old Rishworthians 10

Yorkshire IV: Halifax Vandals 20 Ossett 5, York RI 24 Halifax 19