POCKLINGTON RUFC returned to the top of North One East with a ten-try 61-0 demolition of hapless Wheatley Hills.

Pock scored five tries in each half against a side already destined for relegation, with winger Josh Britton and prop Chris Morton leading the way with hat-tricks.

After Jonty Peters had kicked a long-range penalty in the third minute, Britton, a late call-up at 11pm on Friday night, was released on the right to cross in the corner.

Britton then snapped up a dropped Hills pass to send in centre Joe Holbrough, with Peters adding the first of his four conversions.

Pocklington were scoring at a point a minute as forwards and backs combined for number eight Jack Holbrough to plunge over, then lock Archie Fothergill's run and long pass give Britton his second touchdown.

The hosts completed their first-half account with a simple lineout try - ball off the top being popped down into a gap for prop Chris Morton to stroll over unopposed from close range.

Wheatley Hills never threatened a try, and their best spell at the start of the second period soon floundered against Pocklington's aggressive defence.

However, the hosts took time to get their attacking game back into gear despite territorial dominance, trying to batter over from three five-metre scrums before finally putting some phases together for improving flanker Owen Jackson to stretch out of the tackle to score.

Pocklington coasted home in the final quarter.

Holbrough broke through and Britton was on his shoulder to sprint in for his hat-trick try. Then more offloading saw Morton power over.

And Pocklington finished on a high, launching an attack from their own half and handing on to Morton 40 metres out for the big prop to hit the afterburners and rampage down the clubhouse side to complete his treble.

With previous leaders Penrith surprisingly losing at Morpeth, Pocklington went three points clear at the top of the table. Penrith are next up in a key clash a week on Saturday.