Hosts Pocklington RUFC defeat Pontefract to keep up with leaders
Pocklington RUFC started well and finished the stronger in beating Pontefract 33-23 to stay hot on the heels of the North 2 East league leaders.
However, the game was in the melting pot at the beginning of the final quarter when Ponte closed to 26-23.
For a change the penalty count went against Pock's opponents, Ponte also receiving a red and two yellow cards, before the home side's fourth and final try sealed victory and the extra bonus point.
Pocklington started brightly, Christian Pollock opening the scoring with an early penalty.
Pocklington looked secure but Pontefract were always dangerous on the break, straightaway hitting back with a converted try down the right.
Pock's strong response forced a close-range lineout; Ponte won it only for home pressure to end with a scrambling try for prop George Grosvenor.
Pock then moved up a gear, Ed Wraith led a pack charge, the backs took it on and wing Jed Jackson smashed over in the corner.
Pollock added both conversions and kicked a penalty, putting Pocklington in the driving seat at 23-7 as the interval approached, only for Pontefract to hit back again with a converted try in the Oval corner with the last play of the half.
Pock pulled away again with Pollock's penalty soon after the restart and a try out of the blue; sleight of hand on halfway then centre Dan Elliot streaking clear to the corner.
But it became Pock's turn to get pinged for offside and a third Ponte try, conversion and penalty put them just three points adrift.
Pock regained ascendancy, finally putting the game to bed with a lineout catch and drive finished by Will Husband, Pollock completing proceedings with another conversion.
Without the previous week's star youngsters, Pocklington Panthers were never at the races at York RI, losing 55-7, their only try scored by Charlie Watson with Dec Malarkey converting.
But Pocklington Pilgrims came from behind to win 55-26 in their game at Hullensians, tries coming from Olly Stickney (3), Dan Fairclough (2), Robin Page, Joe Deighton and Freddie Hollingsworth.
And the weekend ended on a high as Pocklington Women's great team display earned a 28-27 victory at Hull Ionians.
League rugby takes a break this Saturday, so Pocklington 1sts and Panthers take a week's rest; but Pock Pilgrims have an East Yorkshire Merit Table encounter with Goole (2.15pm).
And there is a full day of Nations Championship televised international rugby in the clubhouse on the big screen, capped by England v Japan at 4.40pm.