THE countdown to the 2005 Pocklington Rugby Sevens was started this week when World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson made the draw for the competition.

The Henleys Nurseries Pock 7s is now in its 46th year and has yet another full 24-team entry list that promises another quality display.

Teams from Oxford, Birmingham, London, Ipswich and even Germany are all down to compete in the renowned Good Friday tournament - Yorkshire's oldest - that has taken place every year since 1959.

The local charge is represented by Selby, Goole, York RI and Old Pocklingtonians in the first round, with Malton and Norton awaiting the winner of the RI v Old Pock clash in the second round.

Hosts Pocklington have also earned a bye to the second round, where they will face either Selby or Brough Road Old Boys.

Current holders London Prowling Pretenders, drawn from several clubs in the capital by Richmond and former Hull Ionians junior Anthony Phillips, face either Goole or St Edwards Oxford.

The action kicks off at noon, with the final scheduled for 6.40pm.

Henleys Nurseries

Pock 7s Draw

First round: 'A' Bridlington v Ipswich Eagles (12.00), 'B' London Templars v Birmingham Sportex (12.20), 'C' Selby v Borough Road OB (12.40), 'D' Goole v St Edwards Oxford (1.00), 'E' Marist v British Asian Rugby (1.20), 'F' York RI v Old Pocklingtonians (1.40), 'G' Brookfield v Wheatley Hills (2.00), 'H' Driffield v Dartfordians (2.20).

Second round: Beverley v Winner 'A' (12.40), Hull v Winner 'B' (1.00), Pocklington v Winner 'C' (1.20), London Prowling Pretenders v Winner 'D' (1.40), Knottingley v Winner 'E' (2.00), Malton and Norton v Winner 'F' (2.20), Gutersloh Rhinos, Germany v Winner 'G' (2.40), Hull Ionians v Winner 'H' (3.00).

Updated: 10:30 Friday, March 18, 2005