Scarborough 6 - 12 Pocklington
The Panthers overcame a disorganized
start to open their season with an excellent win at Scarborough.
Already without
a recognized front row due to unavailabilities, the Panthers had to negotiate
heavy holiday traffic and interesting directions to Scarborough's reserve pitch,
finally arriving just 15 minutes before kick-off.
A brief organizational stint,
followed by an even shorter warm up followed and the first 20 minutes, saw the
Panthers give away numerous unnecessary penalties, Scarborough kicking one to
take the lead. The Panthers finally shoke the journey out of their system and
fought back strongly. Great vision saw centre, Rich Williman, break down the left,
then release skipper Phil Drew on the 22 for him to beat the fullback to score,
Sam Butcher converting.
Though the Panthers were dominant for remainder of
first half, another Scarborough penalty made it 7-6 at the break.
Pock started
the second period strongly and camped in the Scarborough half. The Pock backs
looked dangerous but were lacking the finishing touch, whilst the forwards got
in on the act, executing several unstoppable rolling mauls, one of which led to
them being held up over the line. The resulting scrum saw a back row move down
the blind side, and teenager Kenny Strangeway found himself at the bottom of the
pile of bodies to claim the touchdown.
The last 10 mins saw the Panthers pinned
in own 22 by a determined Scarborough, but heroic team defence kept the hosts
at bay to ensure the Panthers made a thoroughly satisfactory start to the season.