POCKLINGTON RUFC wrapped up a second friendly win of the off-season with victory at home to Goole in difficult conditions.

Persistent rain throughout meant cold hands and a slippery ball made life difficult but Pock again showed some nice creative touches in the 26-7 triumph.

The opening exchanges were even, with Goole having early pressure before Pocklington took the initiative as powerful number eight Andy Little crashed over, Christian Pollock converting from midway out.

Play continued in similar vein with Goole trying to launch their big men up the middle and Pocklington chopping them down before showing greater creativity when they finally got the ball.

Back-row Jack Holbrough started a charge from halfway, then forwards and backs combined to give centre Josh Britton a gap to carve through and go around behind the posts for Pollock to convert.

Pocklington had a big squad, and their dozen replacements meant it both disrupted the flow and gave opportunities for a clutch of young players to show their paces.

More Goole pressure was comfortably absorbed by Pocklington's defence before the home side took play to the other end. When both sides' backs were pulled into the middle of the park, a peach of a cross-kick from replacement fly-half Louis Sangwin found lock Archie Fothergill lurking unnoticed out wide to collect and cross.

Pocklington were now in the driving seat and flowing attacks came close down both flanks before prop Andrew Kere-Rako was again in the right place at the right time to score with Pollock kicking his third conversion of the afternoon.

To their credit, Goole stuck to their task and finally got their reward in the closing stages. The visitors again battered it up through their big forwards, Pocklington's determined defence initially stood firm, but after Goole had been held up over the line they plunged over for a deserved converted score to complete proceedings..

Pocklington do not have a game this weekend as Bridlington have cancelled their scheduled trip to the coast on Saturday; so the action resumes on Saturday 22 May when Pocklington are away to Scarborough.

Malton & Norton ran out 19-12 victors in a friendly against Scarborough on their first outing since March 7, 2020.

In the intervening 14 months, coach Chris Creber has departed the Gannock and been replaced by former Bath, Bristol, Worcester, Newcastle, England Saxons and Under-21 midfield player Alex Crockett.

This was the first team’s first opportunity squad to demonstrate what they have learnt under his guidance - and Malt impressed, particularly in their sharp line speed, which is understood to be one of the coach’s main ideas.

Twenty-eight players went to Scarborough to partake in four 20-minute sessions, with players rotated at the breaks.

Under adapted laws, a tap ball was put in place of a put-in at set pieces, ensuring fast rugby and minimal stoppages, much to the delight of any tight five forwards present on the pitch. Rather than form a standing scrum at break down players were strung across the park which gave less room for manoeuvre at restarts and saw some enterprising play from the backs.

Charlie Corner and James Bulmer both crossed for Malt, who also earned a penalty try.

Next week, Malt host Scarborough at the Gannock, with Malton Ladies also to feature on the card.