Nestle Rowntree RUFC were edged out 17-15 at Pocklington Merovingians in a typically tight game between the two sides.

'Trees opened the scoring when winger John Shirn beat three men to go over under the posts from halfway. John Atkin converted then took them ten points ahead with a penalty but, on the stroke of half-time, Pock pressure produced a try for flanker Tim Johnson converted by Mark Taylor.

Nestle responded with a great try started by a good driving maul on halfway before the backs created a fine move for centre Atkin to glide over in the corner.

Pock hit back with strong drives from the forwards sucking in the defence for big Irish centre John Addis to score under the posts. Taylor converted and soon took his side ahead with a 30-metre penalty.

Trees should have regained the lead but Atkin's late penalty attempt went agonisingly wide.

Good news for Nestl was the return to action of flanker Rob McMurray who made his first start since snapping an Achilles tendon in the corresponding fixture 13 months ago.