Pocklington RUFC’s determination to beat the deluge and finally get a festive friendly on was countered by rivals Driffield, who won the duel 21-3.

Originally scheduled to be played at Driffield, their clubhouse was under water so the game was moved to Pocklington, where the little-used Kilnwick Park pitch was deemed the best to cope.

The Driffield forwards were quickly on the front foot with an early catch and drive and rolling maul, and a long delay for a serious injury to a Driff lock failed to dampen their spirits.

Driffield kicked to the corner, launched another catch and drive and were awarded a penalty try.

Pocklington belatedly got going and their best spell midway through the first half saw them come close three times as they looked in but were then brought back – first for an accidental offside, then thwarted by a Driffield deliberate knock on, and finally judged to be held up.

Eventually Pocklington had to settle for opening their account through a Billy Higgins penalty from in front of the posts.

But any thoughts of maintaining the initiative and getting back on terms were dashed when they dropped the restart and were immediately put back on the defensive.

Pocklington were again caught napping and Driffield took a quick tap penalty to dart over for a second converted try to go 14-3 ahead.

When Pocklington did get some momentum through a couple of good back breaks they dropped the ball with the way to the line clear and Driffield were able to hold their lead to the interval.

The game was played in persistent rain and most of the second half became a midfield stalemate.

But Driffield had the lower error count, and their determined tackling, despite spending 20 minutes with a man down through two yellow cards, meant Pocklington could find no way through.

Pocklington eventually ran out of steam and ideas and Driffield gave them a lesson in taking chances in the closing minutes when they broke down the left and got support in numbers to seal proceedings with another converted try.