This traditional derby with the added spice that “Pock” needed points to ensure league survival, took place on a bright sunny day with little wind, but on a pitch which looked slightly weary. York were missing Luke Stockton and Chris Peace from the side which dispatched Bridlington last week, and a rearranged back line saw Sam Elliot start at standoff and Harry Taylor on the wing.

Almost immediately following the Pock kick off, York seized on a loose ball within their 10 metre area. It was transferred to Elliot, then to George Davies who made an incisive break and fed Liam Hessay who completed an impressive sweeping move with a fine try. Hessay converted his own try and after only 2 mins the score stood at 0-7. York continued on the attack with the backs moving well. First Elliot almost burst through in the centre and then winger Rob Hodges was brought down by the last line of defence - fullback Jackson.
The York supporters settled in for an enjoyable 80 minutes…. However….
After only 6 minutes Pocklington were awarded a penalty when York did not release on the ground and having found a good touch, the visitors were further penalised in midfield. The kick was missed but the momentum had changed. Following a good scrummage, the ball was worked to winger No 14, who scored a neat try wide out. Again the conversion was missed. (5-7)

Pock were now on the front foot and No 8 Brown was proving a particular handful with powerful direct runs but more importantly the home side were winning every ball on the ground. Any break by a York player seemed to be without the support necessary and Pock in turn were feeding off their driving play. It was little surprise when after a period of sustained pressure and a well controlled scrum, Brown went over near the posts for a deserved try, which surprisingly was not converted. (10-7). York’s backs, almost despairingly, began to elaborate when better control of the limited ball might have suited and shortly thereafter winger Hodges was sent to the bin, having been adjudged to knock on intentionally. From that penalty and a good kick to touch, followed by a good line out take and Pock were over again. The conversion was missed again.(15-7) Shortly afterwards York were awarded what seemed to be a slightly fortuitous penalty but Hessay accepted this and made no mistake with the kick. (15-10). However normal service resumed when York were again penalised at the breakdown and from following plays the home side crossed for their fourth and bonus point try. Again unconverted. ( 20-10) The halftime score flattered York in that 11 kickable points could have put the home side out of sight.

The second half started with Freddie Potrykus, York’s front row sub, causing problems for the home side as a massive scrum demolished the home pack and although the resultant penalty failed to find touch, Pock were penalised in the subsequent play and Hessay kicked a good goal. ( 20 -13). York were now trying to stretch the home defence out wide but always the Pock backrow were into contact first and winning everything on the ground. York were penalised for a late tackle, again missed, but play basically established its pattern in the York 22. However, following a short drive by Isikeli Mulase ( York back sub) the visitors broke from their 22 and No8 Shane Goulding sprinted the 75 yards to score under the posts. Hessay converted. (20-20). This score equality was very much against the run of play but normal service was quickly resumed as York failed to secure the restart and Pock, having been denied a superb try in the corner due to a forward pass, shortly after crossed for a fine try, which was converted. (27-20) Continued pressure by the home side and a further ripping of the ball by the ever aggressive backrow saw a final try in the right hand corner, again converted, to completed a fine win. (34-20)

There was little doubt that the better side on the day won this “derby”, and although the injury list will be offered as an excuse, as is truly the case, there is also little doubt that Pocklington were “up for this one” and not only because of their dire league position. York’s home and away defeats by Pocklington, Malton and Scarborough would suggest they view local derby matches slightly differently from their neighbours.