POCKLINGTON went down to a disappointing 20-15 defeat at Bradford & Bingley to slip to fourth in North One East.

The home side got their noses in front early in the second half then effectively closed down Pock's efforts to get back on terms.

Pocklington had good positions in sight of the home line in the first quarter but failed to make them pay, and B&B opened the scoring with a penalty.

Pock stormed back and some slick handling ended with hooker Dave Birch sprinting over for Matt Procter to convert.

Procter added a penalty before the home kicker pulled a goal back to make it 10-6 at the break - though the visitors should really have had more points in the bag from their early pressure.

Bradford & Bingley took over the initiative early in the second period and made the most of their opportunities to cross for two converted tries and lead by ten points.

The home side had a meaty pack and big kickers behind them, and they made sure they held on to their advantage by closing the game down.

With the breeze, Bradford & Bingley peppered the posts with four long-range penalties and three drop-goal attempts - none found the target but it meant Pocklington were pinned back in their own territory continually having to drop out into the wind.

Pocklington managed the occasional clean break, and once got near to the home line for number eight Jack Holbrough to go over from a catch and drive and cut the deficit to five points.

But Bradford's kicking game and a spate of physio interruptions prevented Pocklington from getting any momentum and ensured the home side held on for victory.