After a good first half when they played some enterprising rugby and scored three top quality tries, Pocklington were gradually worn down by Skipton's bigger forwards and slipped to a 30-20 defeat.

Pocklington made a fine start and new centre Neil Ambler almost scored on the left and prop Mark Floyd was held up over the line before Kevin Bowling opened the scoring with a simple penalty.

Skipton took their turn to attack but dropped the ball and Bowling booted 70 yards down field and was first there to regain possession. The forwards arrived at speed and quick hands put centre Guy Wilson in for the try.

But Pocklington fatally relaxed after the score and let Skipton come back with a try on the right. Again Pocklington clicked into gear and three forwards took the ball on at pace before the backs were released for Bowling's long pass to send full-back Mark Taylor storming over.

Once more Pocklington lost concentration after scoring and Skipton rumbled over from a tap penalty and also kicked a penalty to level the scores.

However, another fine try put Pocklington ahead at the interval with slick handling nearly getting right wing Rob Jackson in at the corner before the ball was spun smartly left for Tim Bolton to cross on the opposite flank, Bowling converting.

But it was a different story after the break as Skipton turned up the pressure by giving Pocklington problems in the scrums and working the blind side. Pocklington's defence was caught out of position as Skipton edged ahead with two left wing tries and the visitors sealed victory with a converted touch down in injury time.

Updated: 12:05 Monday, September 16, 2002