Pocklington RUFC battle back for win at Wetherby
Pocklington RUFC came from behind at Wetherby to win 23-18, consolidating second place in the North 2 East league.
After a scrappy first-half Pocklington trailed by ten points but it came together in the third quarter, edging ahead with two good tries then holding firm in the closing stages.
On a cold day with a much-changed backline, Pocklington had more early play.
But Christian Pollock's 10th minute penalty apart, Pock couldn't turn position into points in the first half hour; whereas Wetherby scored tries from their two trips into visiting territory - a lineout rumble then another wide right after a scrum five - adding a long-range penalty to lead 13-3.
Pocklington's best attacks were undone by lineout wobbles and failing to keep possession in the tackle.
But as the interval approached it finally came together, Archie Wilcock breaking up the middle, the backs going right and Pollock joining the line to feed wing Jed Jackson who outpaced to cover to touchdown.
There was just time for Wetherby to regain the initiative, Pock's defence not securing a hopeful crosskick and Wetherby following up to score for 18-8.
Pocklington came out a different side on the resumption. Pollock's penalty straightaway reduced the deficit; and when they pressed again the threequarters ran Wetherby's clearance back left then switched play right where Wilcock was lurking to blast 30 yards to the line.
Good handling and direct running had got Pocklington back in contention at 18-16; and more of the same soon put them ahead.
Wilcock set off again from a scrum on halfway, the backs sent Flynn Sangwin racing down the left and he flipped infield for Pollock to gallop over and convert.
Play became disjointed again in the final quarter, both sides producing promising build ups then failing to hold the final pass.
But Pocklington's defence ensured they held their advantage to bring home the points.
Back at Feathers Field the Panthers enjoyed an entertaining encounter with BP Chemicals, running out 40-27 victors with six tries and five conversions.
But the Pilgrims went down 40-12 to the East Merit leaders at Driffield.