Pocklington 11 - 18 Old Brodleians
Pocklington
gave a much improved display in their first league game at home to Old Brodleians,
but it was still not enough to stop them going down 11-18.
Yara-sponsored Pocklington
found themselves under early pressure and fell behind to a third minute penalty.
After playing without the ball for ten minutes, Pocklington finally got going
with a couple of pack drives that saw them go close at both corners before full
back Nick Bennett levelled the scores with a penalty.
A Pocklington turnover
allowed Brodleians to run the ball back for the games first try and convert it
from wide out, before Bennett kicked a angled penalty to reduce the arrears on
the half hour. However, at the same time Pocklington lost key lineout man Mark
Biggin who went off with a back injury.
Brodleains added another try to stretch
their lead before the break, but Pocklington rallied to step up a gear in the
second half.
They got their reward with a good try when they pressed strongly
on the right through the forwards. Brods illegally killed possession and from
a quick tap play was switched left, centre Tom Stokes went hard for the posts,
then the ball was recycled and long passes sent wing and man of the match, Harry
Allen, diving over.
Brodleians missed a penalty to keep Pocklington within
a score of getting back on terms. Pocklington again probed the visitors defence
in the last quarter, and found several good positions. They got another boost
when home hooker Dave Birch made a strong burst down the left touchline and a
Brods back row was sent off for trying to stop him with a swinging arm.
Twice
Pocklington got within sight of the Brods line only to give away penalties and
let the visitors clear, and twice more Brodleians pinched the ball when Pocklington
had an attacking lineout inside the visitors 22. It meant for a disappointing
and frustrating ending for Pocklington, but they can take heart from their improved
workrate and defence over the previous week.