POCKLINGTON edged back into second place in the Yorkshire Two table with a narrow 17-15 victory at Castleford.

The visitors dominated, having loads of pressure, but they were unable to finish off dogged Castleford.

And after leading throughout the game Pocklington had their hearts in their mouths three minutes from the end when Castleford saw a long penalty blown just off target.

Pocklington made an emphatic start driving over from a line-out after just two minutes for hooker Dave Birch to get the touchdown. Though they conceded a penalty goal from Castleford's first attack, Pocklington were soon back on the offensive and their forwards again drove over for Paul Rhodes, who had just come on as replacement for injured player-coach Guy Hope, scoring with his first touch.

Pocklington continued to command, but slack defence let Castleford in for a forwards' try to leave the gap at just two points at the break.

They again made a strong start, attacking powerfully before skipper Matt Atkinson broke from a scrum and fed flanker Scott Littlefair for a try, which Nick Bennett converted.

Pocklington looked in control but Castleford's only attack of the half saw a cross-kick to the wing create a converted try. The visitors roared back, but failed to score despite numerous opportunities.

Twice Littlefair thought he had scored. The referee decided a Castleford hand was under the ball when he dived over on the right. Then a dubious touch flag ruled he had stepped on the line in the opposite corner.

Updated: 10:47 Monday, February 21, 2005