NORTH One East champions Pocklington finished the season 12 points clear of runners-up Penrith thanks to a 39-21 victory over local rivals Malton & Norton.

Although Pock’s title and Malt’s survival had already been secured, it was no ‘end-of-season jaunt’ at The Gannock and the two sides served up a derby dish full of commitment.

Pocklington also had to overcome adversity when flanker Johnny Wood suffered a broken leg which held up play for 40 minutes.

The game was keenly contested from the outset.

Pocklington took the lead after 12 minutes courtesy of a Matt Procter penalty but, within five minutes, Malton got the ball wide on halfway to release fullback Xolela Payi who raced clear to touchdown and convert.

Wood led a strong Pocklington attack up the slope before his day came to an unfortunate end with 20 minutes gone.

On the re-start, the Pocklington pack took control and overhauled the home side’s lead with a decisive three-try burst.

In a flurry of action, Pocklington No 8 Jack Holbrough twice muscled over from close range, two Malton players were sent to the bin for killing the ball, and Pocklington were held up over the line by desperate defending on two occasions.

But hooker Ben Stephenson was rewarded for supporting his backs when he crossed out wide out on the right.

With Procter kicking two conversions (taking him past the century of points mark after assuming kicking duties in February), Pocklington went into the interval with a healthy 22-7 advantage.

Both sides scored two tries in the second period, with Pocklington again controlling possession and Malton responding with rearguard action and periodic counter attacks. There appeared nothing on when Payi received the ball in midfield early in the second half but he skinned the cover with an elusive burst for a solo score which he also converted.

With lock Archie Fothergill running a dominant lineout, Pocklington replied promptly, launching a back move from another clean line take 40 metres out that sent centre James Flint carving through the middle for a try converted by Procter.

Pocklington kept on pinning Malton back and the home side again ended short handed as two more players received yellow cards.

Despite back row George Harrison marshalling a more determined home defence, Pocklington took full advantage of the numerical superiority and pulled clear as Holbrough powered over for his hat-trick and Procter converted to add to an earlier penalty.

Payi, who was making his farewell appearance for Malton, was always a threat and, after a dangerous home raid, his quick tap penalty opened the door for a third Malton score for flanker Tom Lowry. Payi then kicked his third conversion.

Nothing, however, was going to deny Pocklington a 15th consecutive league victory.

They finished the game firmly in the driving seat - even dropping the ball twice in the dying minutes when the line was begging.