Pocklington RUFC

So much for summer rugby. Pocklington played the second game of their 2020-21 season sorjourn when then entertained old friends Goole on Saturday. Persistent rain throughout meant cold hands and a slippery ball made life difficult, nevertheless the Pocklington players again showed some nice creative touches as they wrapped up another win by 26-7.

The opening exchanges were even, with Goole having early pressure then Pocklington taking the initiative to probe on the right before powerful No 8 Andy Little crashed over on the left, Christian Pollock converting from midway out. The play continued in similar vein with Goole trying to launch their big men up the middle and Pocklington chopping them down with textbook tackling, before showing greater creativity when they finally got the ball. Back row Jack Holbrough started a charge from halfway, then forwards and backs combined to give centre Josh Britton a gap to carve through on the Percy Road side and go round behind the posts for Pollock to convert.

Pocklington had a big squad, and their dozen replacements meant it both disrupted the flow and gave opportunities for a clutch of young players to show their paces. More Goole pressure was comfortably absorbed by Pocklington's defence before the home side took play to the other end; and when both sides' backs were pulled into the middle of the park, a peach of a crosskick from replacement fly half Louis Sangwin found lock Archie Fothergill lurking unnoticed out wide to collect and cross in the Oval corner.

Pocklington were now in the driving seat and flowing attacks came close down both flanks before ubiquitous prop Andrew Kere-Rako was again in the right place at the right time to score with Pollock kicking his third conversion of the afternoon.

To their credit, Goole stuck to their task and finally got their reward in the closing stages. The visitors again battered it up through their big forwards, Pocklington's determined defence initially stood firm, but after Goole had been held up over the line they plunged over for a deserved converted score to complete proceedings.

On Sunday Pocklington Colts played their first game of the year when they were at home to Malton & Norton and ran out 24-7 winners. Ellusive fullback Ben Maycock sent Pocklington on their way with the first two tries, and the forwards got in on the act with Seth Shirley carrying strongly before back row Fred Parton plunged over, Billy Spruyt converting. Maycock completed his hattrick in the second half, Spruyt again adding the extras, before Malton got a late consolation try.

Pocklington do not have a game this weekend as Bridlington have cancelled their scheduled trip to the coast on Saturday; so the action resumes on Saturday 22 May when Pocklington are away to Scarborough.

Pic: Richie Kaisia leads a Pock attack against Goole.