Pocklington RUFC opened up the Yorkshire Two promotion race with a convincing 22-5 home win over second-placed West Park Leeds.

Pocklington's success was built on rock-solid defence, particularly in the first half when they played into the strong wind.

Not only did Pocklington have to overcome the elements, but they also made light of a major injury blow. Already without three front five forwards, they lost big lock John Tilley with an ankle fracture after just ten minutes.

West Park's heavier pack would have expected to dominate thereafter, but Pocklington's makeshift scrummage more than held its own, while they turned over numerous balls at the breakdown.

Andy Holloway came off the bench to replace Tilley and went on to be man of the match for his industrious back-row performance.

Pocklington's resolute tackling and strong forward driving play kept West Park at bay until the 35th minute when the visitors got the ball wide for a good back try.

The response was immediate as scrum-half Phil Priestley broke from the restart as Pocklington laid siege to the West Park line. Ten times a Pocklington player tried to batter over from close range before hooker Dave Birch plunged in on the right to level the scores.

Pocklington again had to absorb West Park pressure at the start of the second half before Ed Rowbottom and Holloway led a back-row breakout to take play to the other end. Full-back Nick Bennett was stopped just short but Birch was again on hand to dive over for his second try.

Henry Mitchell kicked the conversion from the touchline, then saw a penalty attempt from halfway bounce back off the crossbar, before he extended the lead with a more straightforward penalty.

Pocklington took control and they again camped on the West Park line. Twice a player was held up in-goal before Priestley went blind and burrowed over from close range, Mitchell again converting from the touchline.

West Park had another spell of pressure in the dying minutes, but could find no way through Pocklington's determined defence.

The win moved Pocklington one place up the table to fifth, while West Park are still second just one point above them.