POCKLINGTON open up their Yorkshire Two campaign with an away trip to Old Brodleians - whose bleak Hipperholme ground is renowned as one of the most difficult places on the circuit to win.

Pocklington have initially named a 36-man squad from which they will chose the 1st XV and Panthers sides, who will both travel to Brodleians. This new trend of the first and second teams playing together, home and away, is something Pocklington are looking to continue through September as they develop their squad.

However, while Pocklington still have to finalise their line up, it is sure to be based on the successful team of last season, with the squad containing 15 players who appeared in the Pocklington side that clinched the Yorkshire Three title in April.

The significant absentees are fullback Charlie Allen and prop Matthew Webber, who both have university commitments, but in the other direction Pocklington have half a dozen young players returning to the club after completing school or university studies.

Significant new arrivals include two backs with top level experience in new player coach Guy Hope, who has spent most of his career playing in the Premiership or national leagues, and Sam Rees, capped by Wales Students in 2002, who was scrum half for Rugby Lions in National Division Three last year.

The bus for both teams and supporters leaves Percy Road at noon.

Updated: 09:49 Friday, September 03, 2004