OLD Pocklingtonians came back from the dead to beat Pocklington RUFC 32-19 in an entertaining festive fixture at Percy Road.

Close to 500 people - a record Boxing Day turnout for the annual challenge match - watched Pock lift the Bottomley Trophy, a tribute to Pocklington School old boy and a founder member of Pocklington RUFC George Bottomley.

Pocklington surged into a 19-0 lead inside the first half hour with tries from centre Pete Massie, who twice dummied through from 40 yards, and flanker Karl Durkin, crossing from a catch and drive, with fly-half Dan Elliot kicking two conversions.

The OPs grabbed a lifeline when Loughborough flanker Tarek Mursal grabbed a try with the last play of the first half.

Both sides then brought on their replacements to give everybody a run out and the pendulum swung dramatically in the second period.

Pocklington were reeled in as current school first team players Lewis Wilson and Sam Garvey stretched over in opposite corners and, after more OP pressure, they went ahead for the first time as centre Joe Holbrough dived to the line, Lewis Papa converting.

The momentum was now with the OPs and they pulled clear in the closing stages as England U17 development squad flanker Wilson was on the end of some slick handling to get his second score.

His school team-mate, Charlie Sleigh, then crossed from the last move of the day.

Meanwhile, Malton Highlanders prevailed over Norton Swampies for the first time in six years in the traditional Malton & Norton Boxing Day game at The Gannock.