IN an end-to-end encounter a star-studded President's XV pipped Pocklington 38-34 in the last senior game of the season at Percy Road.

Pocklington took an early lead when centre Guy Wilson dummied over to score, Henry Mitchell hitting the post with the conversion.

But the President's XV edged ahead when Wakefield coach Mick Watson popped the ball up for young flanker Phil Drew to score, Blaydon stand-off Dan Clappison converting.

Pocklington came back and regained the lead when a deft grubber kick by Charlie Allen saw wing Tim Nixon touchdown for Mitchell to convert.

It went back to the other end and Clappison's cross-kick saw Watson stroll over, Clappison adding the extras.

Pocklington went in to the interval in front as their backs broke down the left and were almost over, then flanker Steve Wilcock was quick in support and plunged in.

The President's team came back in the second period when Wakefield centre Tim Lauriston surged from 40 yards for Clappison to add the extras.

But Pock stuck to their task and Adam Pears went over after a lineout catch-and-drive, Mitchell converting.

The turning point came when Pocklington pressured the President's side in to dropping the ball on their own line and centre Brad Bold stretched over but was penalised for a double movement.

The President's XV made the most of their let off and rushed the ball to the other end and Newcastle centre Sandy Mitchell squeezed in at the corner.

They then created day light when Otley lock Paul Williams appeared on the wing to gallop 30 yards to the corner.

Pocklington came back to steal the ball in midfield for Chris Watkins to dart over. It continued to go from one end to the other as teenager Nick Bennett suddenly appeared in space to run over from 40 yards for the President's side.

Then Dan Wilson pulled a try back for Pocklington with a good run to the left corner to complete the scoring.

Updated: 11:06 Monday, May 03, 2004