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Driffield 57 – Pocklington 12
Published: 18/01/2010
Driffield’s long trip to Carlisle for a League game was cried off earlier in the week and Pocklingon supplied the opposition for a much needed run out for both sides. It was a very open game considering the conditions, which were dank and dark although it had stopped raining by kick off time. Pocklington certainly contributed to the game even though at times it was one sided.
For the first 15 minutes Driff attacked the Pock line but found it difficult to score. This was due to good tackling by Pock but mainly due to elementary mistakes by the Driff backs. Knockons and forward passes were the norm and certainly five good chances went begging. However at last after 13 mins Gray made a superb break which was carried on by McGregor, who when tackled near the posts popped up a pass to John Dervey who went under the posts for an easy conversion by Birch.
D 7 – P 0.
2 mins later a great break by Wright, surely wasted on the right wing, was stopped by a good tackle, but good ball put Beachell over in the corner. This was not converted.
D12 – P 0
On 20 mins, a good move was finished off by left wing Harding and Birch made a decent conversion. D 19 – P 0
At this stage Pock woke up and started to dominate up front with a series of drives towards the Driff line. A rolling maul threatened Driff’s line, which was followed by a couple of scrums 5 Ms out. However Driff weathered this storm, but the game was much more even. Pock had some chunky forwards who were good battlers, and both their wingers were well proportioned.
Ollett’s propensity to knockon continued, but he did enjoy a better second half. Wright was causing problems and his kick ahead was minored by Pock. McGregor looped round for a try just before the whistle for half time which Birch converted to make the score D 26 - P 0. This was good for Driff as Olly Cooper had just spent 10 mins in the sin bin.
Soon after half time Driff made some changes. Murray came on the wing for Wright, which enabled him to move to flanker instead of Stephenson. Wright was then more involved in the game which was a distinct advantage. Waterhouse came on at prop for Maggs. After 3 mins Gray scored a solo try, which he is very adept at doing for Birch to convert. D 33 – P 0.
Certainly Pock’s spirit was to be admired and after pressure by their forwards they scored a pushover try, but not converted. This was some reward for their robust efforts which deserved points. D 33 – P 5.
The referee played advantage and from the move hooker Havler stormed over for a close range try not converted. D 38 – P 5.
Driff then exerted pressure and Birch went over from a well timed McGregor pass, converted by Birch. D 45 – P 5
On 25 mins the best try of the game occurred. Well in his 22, John Dervey made a great break up the middle of the field; he was backed up by Wright, who continued the move before returning the ball to Dervey. He as he neared Pock’s line gave the scoring pass to Ollett. A good 70 M try which was not converted. D 50 – P 5.
At this stage Beachell received a yellow card and Pock took advantage to score a good try on the left by Stringer which was converted. Pock deserved the score for their efforts which were considerable. D 50 – P 12.
The final score of the game was by Birch on the right wing which he converted. Final score DRIFFIELD 57 – POCKLINGTON 12.
It was good to see some rugby again after the recent weather, and Driff looked very slick, after they got over their early error strewn 15 minutes. Birch, McGregor and Gray looked full of running and as usual Wright when he was able to get his hands on the ball was a thorn in Pock’s side. In the forwards John Dervey did his usual good job in the lineout and was seen well in open play. Havler had his moments in the loose and threw in well. A good game to help with fitness for future league games, enjoyed by both sides, with plenty of robust tackles being made. The referee played his part in making the game a success.
Ian Douglas
