Pocklington RUFC claim dramatic late victory at Wath

Pocklington RUFC got out of jail at Wath on Saturday where a last-gasp, length of the field score stole a 28-21 victory.

Inside the final five minutes Wath led 21-20 and had a kickable penalty to stretch their lead, but they opted to go for the corner and another catch and drive.

Christian Pollock beating his opposite number under the noses of the Pocklington coaches and replacements before galloping 80 yards for the winning try at Wath. Photo by Phil Gilbank

placeholder image — Christian Pollock beating his opposite number under the noses of the Pocklington coaches and replacements before galloping 80 yards for the winning try at Wath. Photo by Phil Gilbank

Once again Pocklington defended their line with aplomb, and when Wath tried to move the ball they were turned over, George Bennett-Teare came away with possession, replacement James Thompson linked and fullback Christian Pollock beat a man on the touchline then galloped 80 yards up the flank to dash the home hopes, geting his breath back to add the conversion, job done.

Wath had a big pack but Pocklington gained ascendancy in the early scrums and Pollock opening the scoring with a 12th minute penalty.

Wath were determined opponents, made occasional incursions up the hill, levelling with a penalty at the end of the first quarter.

Wath then came more into, grabbing the lead with an out and in try on the left on the half hour.

Pock hit back from the restart, opted to scrum a penalty in front of the posts and went wide for Flynn Sangwin to dive over at the left flag, Pollock's conversion giving the visitors a 10-8 interval lead.

The second half proved to be an end to end affair, with Pocklington again sowing strength in the tackle and pace on the flanks.

Wath upped their game with a second try augmented by a twice taken conversion, before Pock belatedly woke up for Sangwin's second try and another conversion and penalty from Pollock.

But indiscipline and lineout errors let Wath back in, and despite Pock's stern defence a penalty and drop goal to edged the homesters a point in front.

It looked to be Wath's day until Pock's late smash and grab took the points.

Pocklington Panthers made the long trip to North Ribblesdale by bus and euphemistically didn't get off it for the first quarter as they slipped 14 points behind.

They then woke up and their young backs carved up Ribb to win 40-17 with a hat-trick of tries from Freddy Peel, plus further tries from Sam Sellers, Ben Maycock and Angus Watson, with Sellers kicking five conversions.

Pocklington Pilgrims were even more benevolent early doors to merit table leaders Beverley 2nds. From 31 points down they stormed back but fell just sort losing 31-24.

On Sunday Pocklington Colts had a great 26-12 victory against local rivals Driffield. Pocklington Women went down 27-51 in a see-saw encounter with North Ribblesdale.