YORK RUFC edged a keenly-contested local derby 30-24 at Pocklington to register their first North One East win of the season.

The game boiled down to a contest between Pocklington’s powerful front row of Chris Morton, Jim Thornton and John-Paul Kelly and York’s strong running back row of Lewis Hanniball, Shane Goulding and Luke Stockton.

But with both sides scoring three tries, the contest was decided by York fly-half Declan Cusack’s six goals from six attempts, against three kicks from three by home full-back Christian Pollock.

Pock’s scrum dominated from the outset and on the quarter hour hooker Thornton led a charge up the middle before the ball came along the line to Pollock, who spun out of a tackle to score and convert.

York’s back row surged 70 metres out of defence for Cusack to kick his first penalty, but Pocklington went 14-3 up in the 35th minute when they probed in the right corner then switched to the left when prop Kelly smuggled over, Pollock converting from the touchline.

York’s chance to put pressure on the home line soon followed and ended in scrum-half Toby Atkin dotting down from close range for Cusack to convert.

And York went ahead for the first time with the last play of the first half, number eight Goulding running a good line to blast under the posts, Cusack’s conversion making it 17-14 at the break.

A charged down kick followed by a series of breakdown penalties put York on the front foot on the resumption and Cusack extended the lead with another penalty goal.

It was end to end stuff as Pock’s pack pushed York off their own feed only to knock on over the line. They repeated the feat at the resultant scrum and were awarded a penalty try to go 21-20 ahead.

However, the home lead was shortlived as they fell offside from a lineout overthrow for Cusack to again take the three points, then Goulding once more rampaged under the posts from deep inside his own half, Cusack converting.

York missed an overlap opportunity to put the game to bed, and a late Pollock penalty at the other end gave Pocklington a losing bonus point before York ran down the clock to ensure they took the derby spoils.

On Saturday, York have another local derby at home to Malton, who picked up their second win from three matches when they beat West Hartlepool 34-24.

Malt fell 14-0 behind but on 10 minutes got on the scoreboard with a well struck penalty from James Bulmer.

Two minutes later a routine attack was well finished by Vus Dyantes for Malt’s opening converted try.

On 22 minutes West were penalised for a high tackle and lost 10 metres for dissent. A lineout catch and peel followed for Tom Lowry to go over for five points.

Five minutes later West replied with a try but Malt led by three points at half-time after a good converted try was worked for Ali Fothergill after strong running from Will Bell.

A West player was yellow-carded and Malt skipper Sam Triffit sent Fothergill barging over on 47 minutes for seven points.

On 65 minutes, Malt’s Matt Bowman was shown a yellow card and five minutes later West claimed a touchdown.

However, on 79 minutes after three minutes camped on the West line, there was an unconverted try for Bell.

York RI claimed a five-try bonus point from a 36-22 win at Hessle in Yorkshire Four (South East).

Baptiste Briu kicked an early penalty for a 3-0 lead, but Hessle levelled the scores at 3-3.

RI winger Rob Joy got the first try on the board, converted by Briu, for a 10-3 lead.

Hessle gained another penalty, but then RI full-back Chris Jones put Joy away for his second try and Briu’s kick made it 17-6 at the break.

The second half started with an early Hessle penalty, but then RI centre Rich Tafa powered his way through the defence and under the posts for another converted try.

A Hessle try narrowed the gap to 24-16 and they added two penalty to close to within two points.

The visitors found an extra gear and a cross field kick from Briu saw Joy go over unopposed to complete his hat-trick.

A kick in behind the Hessle defence found space and Briu got there first to dribble forward and collect himself for a fifth try, which was converted.

On Saturday, RI host city rivals Nestle Rowntree.

In Yorkshire One, Selby were 22-21 winners at home to Bradford Salem.