AFTER battling hard to gain an interval lead, Pocklington collapsed in the second half and slumped to a 48-14 defeat at Leodiensians in Yorkshire Two.

Leos had the early pressure and, although Pocklington's defence initially held firm, the home side took the lead from a converted line out catch and drive try.

Pocklington were soon back on terms as Rudy Louriac produced a bit of French magic in mid-field and the Pocklington forwards drove up to the home line before the backs were released for full-back Mark Taylor to crash over on the scissors, Kevin Bowling converting.

Play went from end to end with Pocklington failing to make the most of their chances as they were narrowly off target with two penalties and a drop goal.

Leos then regained the initiative with an overlap try on the left before Pocklington snatched back the lead deep into first half injury time.

Number eight Phil Thompson pinched a Leos line out and charged up field, good support play kept the ball alive and it was switched to the left wing for Tim Bolton to touch down, Taylor converting from the touchline.

However after working so hard to get their noses in front Pocklington were caught napping at the start of the second period as the lively Leos backs ran in three tries in quick succession.

Pocklington tried to get back on terms and were unlucky when flanker Adam Pears dived over but was brought back for an earlier infringement, however the longer the game went on the more Pocklington's pack was worn down by the bigger, older home forwards, allowing the quick Leos back increasing amounts of room to move in.

The result was Leos taking advantage of a tired defence to run in three more tries in the closing stages.

Updated: 11:27 Monday, September 30, 2002