Pocklington RUFC are lining up a series of special events to celebrate the club's 125th anniversary - kicking off with an anniversary ball next month.

The first game of rugby at Pock was in November 1879 when 15 players from Pocklington School met ten from 'Pocklington Town and District'. And a town rugby club soon followed to start a continuous 125 years of rugby in Pocklington.

The first event is the black tie ball at Full Sutton Flying Club on Saturday, August 28.

Anyone who wants a ticket, or get a group of ten or 12 together for a table, should contact Tilly Smith on 07765 804458, or Georgie Nicholson on 07719 819762.

Other things planned for the coming season are a re-enactment of that first game in Victorian costume and under 1879 rugby rules; the publishing of a book detailing the town's rugby history; and special multi-colour shirts and ties in all the six colours worn by Pocklington sides over the years.

The club's junior and mini rugby section is also gearing up for the coming season.

Several junior sides have already started training. There is a 'Summer Scorcha' summer school at Percy Road on August 9-10, and a major social event for junior parents, supporters and friends with a hog roast barbeque and disco on Saturday, July 31.

The hog roast, in aid of junior and mini rugby funds, is at Styring House Farm, Givendale, and admission is by ticket only.

It is being run by junior coach, Dave Cawood, who can be contacted for tickets on 01759 368430.

Updated: 10:42 Friday, July 09, 2004