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Heath 12 - 34 Pocklington

Pocklington recorded a convincing Yorkshire Two win at Heath. It was Pock's first away win of their league campaign, but although the final margin looks comprehensive, they still had to work hard for their victory. However, they built on a splendid start to run in two tries in each half, with their ability to come away with points every time they got into a scoring position proving to be crucial to their success.
Fielding an unchanged side for the first time this season, Phosyn Yara sponsored Pocklington took the game to the home side from the start and were 17 points ahead by the end of the first quarter. Flanker Ed Rowbottom went off with a cut nose after just two minutes, but his replacement, Paul Rhodes, made an immediate impact - giving Heath an unsuccessful kick at goal with his first touch of the ball, then charging 35 yards up the middle with his second. Pocklington retained possession well and spread the ball right where wing Tim Nixon was held up on the line. They then worked play back left to create the gap for skipper Sandy Mitchell to plunge in for a try, which his brother Henry converted from the touchline.
Henry Mitchell soon drilled over a good penalty from 37 yards, and more long line kicking down the left took play back to within sight of the home line. From another clean lineout take the Pocklington forwards drove the bigger Heath eight infield for energetic back row Andy Holloway to touch down, Henry Mitchell again converting.
Heath came back with some strong play up the middle and missed another two penalties, but their rush defence did bring them a converted try on the half hour from a charged-down kick, while Pocklington spoilt some promising positions through a lack of patience and execution.
Some lively threequarter play briefly threatened to get Heath back into contention at the start of he second half and they came close with a raid to the right corner. But Pock's defence held firm, before Heath dropped a pass in the centre. It gave Nixon the chance to swoop in from his wing and kick ahead, and, as befits a former Holme Rovers' soccer junior, he controlled the ball on a 70-yard kick and chase to win race for the touchdown. Henry Mitchell kicked a third conversion, and his subsequent penalty, put Pocklington virtually out of sight at 27-7.
Several turnover balls in both the loose and particularly the lineout, kept Pocklington on the front foot. And after a couple of back moves failed to come off, Pock's persistence finally paid dividends with a well-worked move. Nixon - warming up for his appearance for England Fire Services against Wales on Wednesday - was brought up the middle on a scissors to carve through to the posts, Henry Mitchell completing his perfect kicking display with fourth conversion.
To their credit, Heath kept going to the end and continued to cause occasional problems through some elusive individuals in their backs. And the home side snatched a late consolation try to complete proceedings.