Pocklington RUFC primed for part two of big derby test (From York Press)

Pocklington RUFC primed for part two of big derby test

10:16am Friday 14th September 2012 in Rugby Union

POCKLINGTON RUFC will be hoping to enjoy bragging rights when they play their first home game of the North One East season tomorrow.

After a narrow derby defeat at Malton last weekend, a tougher test is to come with near neighbours, and early league pacesetters, Beverley arriving at Percy Road.

Club chiefs are satisfied with a haul of five points from their opening two fixtures, describing it as a “sound start” but Beverley, relegated from the higher division at the end of last season, have set their stall out for a return with two big wins.

The two clubs have followed very different paths to success in recent years with Pocklington relying totally on home-grown talent, while Beverley have recruited heavily from elsewhere.

Pocklington have named a combined squad of 38 players for the first XV at home and the Panthers at Beverley and will finalise the line-ups following training.

Alex Lucas has returned to university and Tim Nixon has an ankle injury, but three-quarter trio Joe Holbrough, Jake Bishop and Henry Mitchell are all back in contention after missing last week.

Malton & Norton , fresh from their win over Pock, face a trip to Middlesbrough with high hopes of notching an away win.

“Pock beat them and we beat Pock last week in a good game,” said club spokesman Bill Laidler.

“I would think we have got a good chance up there given how Pocklington did.

“They used to be very strong but I don’t know what’s happening up there.

“We lost narrowly there last season and won at home so there is nothing to fear.

“We have got the same side as last week.

“Our game at Morpeth (first match of season) was a one-off and we didn’t have a strong side out but we gifted them points.

“We got the win last week and we passed up at least two tries and it is about keeping everyone fit.”

York look for their first win of the Yorkshire One season when they go to Dinnington.

Adam Bowers and Eddie Bradshaw come into the side for the trip to South Yorkshire.

The following day, the club are hosting a side from HMS York at Clifton Park (2pm kick off).

A mix of the seconds, thirds and fourths will be looking to put up a spirited fight against the sailors.

Elsewhere in the Northern Divisions, Selby go to Ripon in Yorkshire Two and York RI host Burley at New Lane in Yorkshire Three after opening the campaign with two heavy defeats.