Pocklington RUFC seeking derby day coronation (From York Press)

Pocklington RUFC seeking derby day coronation

9:20am Friday 20th April 2012 in Rugby Union By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

YORKSHIRE One winners Pocklington look to crown their championship winning season with derby day delight against rivals York at Clifton Park tomorrow.

The Percy Roaders are looking forward to life in North One East next season, having secured back-to-back promotions, and will want to sign off their successful 2011/12 campaign with victory over their near neighbours.

Pocklington’s season got under way with a big 23-10 home victory over York in September.

But Pocklington had some difficulties in acclimatising to life in a new division and after eight games they found themselves back in eighth place.

The East Yorkshire side then set off on a remarkable 17-game winning run that took them to the top of the table by February and then on to the championship.

With the league shield already in the bag, Pocklington can enjoy the occasion but the team is still keen to do well in York against its city rivals. There is one change from the side that clinched the title last weekend 36-16 at Knottingley, flanker Jack Holbrough returning to the back row.

York, meanwhile, make three changes from the side that beat Bridlington 27-18.

Adam Bowers and Rich Roberts come in for Joe Maud and Sam Thorpe in the forwards while, in the backs, Hugh Nicholson is on the wing with Charlie Nicholson dropping to the bench.

Elsewhere, Malton & Norton close their successful North One East year at Cleckheaton, Selby travel to West Leeds in Yorkshire Two knowing a Yorkshire Shield semi-final still awaits them in a week’s time and York RI host Old Modernians in Yorkshire Three.