POCKLINGTON were made to work hard by lowly Knottingley before grinding out a 31-21 home win thanks to their organised defence and the close range efficiency of their forwards.

Pock found themselves seven points down inside three minutes as they spilled the kick-off then failed to cover a Knottingley kick ahead to concede a converted try.

But they battled back to score two identical tries in opposite corners after taking good line-outs before their forward phalanx gathered round to shunt prop Adie Longbone over the line, Nick Bennett converting his second touchdown.

However, Knottingley hit back with another converted try after taking a scrum against the head and Pock had to again dig deep to regain the lead on the half hour after they had battered at the visitors line before skipper Matt Atkinson strolled over, Bennett converting.

Pock had to absorb strong Knottingley pressure before the interval, and play became scrappy in the second half with both sides missing a flurry of kicks at goal.

Pocklington regained their composure as play entered the final quarter, with them producing the move of the match as forwards and backs combined before full back Tim Wilcock dived over on the left.

But Knottingley stayed in the hunt as they closed to within three points again following a back loop move.

Pock finally made sure when the backs had again taken play up to the line and Scott Littlefair, who had moved from flanker to wing in an injury re-shuffle, joined back up with his forward mates to get the touchdown as the pack wheeled over, Kevin Bowling converting.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, February 07, 2005