Pocklington 32 - 7 Malton & Norton
The
Panthers showed how much they have improved this season as a fine team performance
gave them a convincing win at home to Malton.
In recent years the Panthers
have struggled to compete with their Malton counterparts, but on Saturday their
young side rose to the occasion despite an number of men playing out of position.
THe pack took the game to Malton throughout, in addition to scoring all six tries,
while Chris Pottage and Rich Williman ran the show from halfback.
The Panthers
had been forced to drag in a couple of players at the last minute, but prop Karl
Thellman was obviously well suited to arriving just before kick off as he immediately
powered over for the opening try to give the Panthers the perfect start.
Flying
flanker Ed Rowbottom and teenage lock Kenny Strangeway also charged over in the
first half and the Panthers were well in command at the break.
Malton's forwards
did manage a converted try midway through the second period, but nothing was going
to stop the Panthers and another pack drive saw Phil Drew and Mark Smith lay joint
claims to the touchdown. Man of the match Thellman capped his unstoppable display
with a second try, and the ebulient Strangeway also added a second with Williman
kicking their only conversion as the Panthers coasted home in style.