Rishies beat Pythons to boost survival hopes

Old Rishworthians climbed out of the bottom three of Counties 1 Yorkshire with a gritty display in a 24-13 victory at relegation rivals Pythons.

It was a “must win” game for both sides, but the visitors continued their improvement despite an early shock.

Within four minutes they were seven points down to a simple burst through the centre for a converted try.

Rishworthians came back strongly. Nick Faulkner at No8 was always a threat and his break gave them good field position. Fullback Rangi Kui and wing Will Scrimshaw combined well on the right before the ball went back across and out to left wing Anthony Shoesmith, who delivered the try, converted by Kui.

The visitors continued to press and a penalty to the corner brought a catch and drive withlockCallumHeseltinegetting the touchdown.

Thenitwastimefordefence as Pythons gained more possession, but they never looked likebreakingthroughthesolid tacklingofJamesMcHugh,CallumandDougHeseltine,hooker Greg Withers and the back row of Faulkner, Jacob Bower and Ollie Morris.

Early in the second half Pythons took a one-point lead with two penalties, but a flowing movement in the backs brought a short break from replacement scrum-half Harry Doherty. He was stopped just short but gave a fine offload to asupportingCallumHeseltine, who was tackled but managed to reach forward and touch down. Kui converted.

Rishies dominated and late excellent play in the backs saw a move break down with the linebeckoning,buttheballwas flipped up for Scrimshaw to dive over the line in the corner.