​Pocklington RUFC’s unbeaten record halted by Bradford Salem

It was a typical dark, damp and dismal day at Bradford; and Pocklington, without a couple of their pack big-hitters, were on the back foot for much of the first hour.

Bradford crossed for the game's only three touchdowns; while Pocklington stayed in touch by taking points with the boot whenever they entered the home 22 and had a last-gasp chance to steal it.

But Bradford held out to record a deserved victory.

Pock's lightest pack of the season was immediately on the defensive against opposition bigger up front and in midfield. But their backs tackled well then broke out on the quarter hour for Christian Pollock to kick a penalty.

That became the first-half pattern, Pocklington defending stoutly then moving to the other end to come away with points.

Fullback Pollock added three more penalties - taking him past the season's 125 points mark - while fly-half Harry Matthews clipped over a drop goal.

Bradford Salem's attacking brought a single penalty and Pocklington looked good leading 15-3 going into first-half stoppage time.

But the game swung in five minutes either side of the break, Salem crossing wide out on the wing, then sliding over for a catch and drive try on the restart.

The conditions deteriorated as Salem edged clear with another close-range try and conversion and penalty.

To their credit, Pocklington dug deep to throw everything at the home side.

They twice threatened down the right, had two good attacking lineouts thwarted by home defence, and accepted three points from another Pollock penalty with three minutes left - ensuring a losing bonus point and one final chance to steal it, only for Salem to hold out for victory.

Back at Percy Road, the Panthers had a good 22-5 victory over Beverley with tries from Ben Wright, Dan Elvidge, Reece Dixon and Sam Sellers with a Billy Higgins conversion.

Pocklington 1sts will be looking to get back on track this Saturday when they entertain local rivals Malton & Norton, kick-off 2.15.