Pocklington's non-league friendly against Beverley saw them go down 20-6 away to their local rivals who play in the division above them.

With a group of regulars in Dublin for the weekend, Pocklington gave debuts to two teenagers and had two more backs making their first appearances of the season.

Nevertheless Pocklington made a lively start with their forwards driving well up the middle and the three-quarters moving the ball at every opportunity.

Full-back Mark Taylor's diagonal break ended with young wing Harry Allen being held on the line, then fly-half Kev Bowling jinked clear but his short pass was intercepted as he looked to put the support away.

But Beverley then closed the game down in midfield and thereafter space was at a premium.

Beverley opened the scoring on the half hour when Pock initially defended well but were eventually out-flanked by a home try in the corner.

Pocklington came back strongly and closed the gap with one Bowling penalty from two attempts.

However, with Pock a man down in the sin bin, Beverley took control through their big back and crashed over for a converted try.

Pocklington, with forward Justin Gibbs to the fore, pulled back three points through another Bowling penalty, but this was quickly cancelled out by a penalty.

Pocklington were now playing catch up and late on in the game some ambitious handling in an attempt to get their wings away simply presented Beverley with a gift 60-yard interception try to complete the scoring.

Updated: 12:36 Monday, March 26, 2001