Pocklington stuck to their task in a bruising Yorkshire 3 encounter against Thornensians, but were worn down as the home side overhauled them to win 17-10,

Pocklington led from the third minute until the 73rd, but they found the handicap of fielding a makeshift back line too much as Thorn twice broke through in the final quarter.

Nevertheless, Pocklington opened the scoring early on with some excellent play from their threequarters.

The pack turned over possession inside their own half and a swift counter-attack sent left wing Fergus Purtill sprinting the final thirty yards to the corner.

Pocklington continued to put together some good attacks but though they came close on a couple of occasions and missed a kickable penalty they were unable to extend their lead. They then had to defend resolutely as Thorn piled on the pressure up to the interval.

Pocklington's young pack, which was well marshalled by prop Matt Webber, stood up stoutly to Thorn's physical challenge, despite several players visiting the blood bin for running repairs. And they stepped up a gear at the start of the second half before adding a second quality try.

The forwards again stole the ball after Thorn had initially won a line-out and teenage fullback Charlie Allen blasted between two tacklers on half-way to make good ground and hand on to flanker Steve Wilcock, who pushed aside the fullback to touch down.

However, as the wind got stronger Thorn used it well with kicks to the corner and gradually stepped up the pressure.

Inside the final quarter the home fly-half cut through the centre for a converted try under the posts and with time running out he repeated the act to send in his fullback and convert from the touchline to put his side ahead for the first time.

Pocklington plugged away to the end but their fate was sealed by a late Thorn drop goal.

Updated: 10:03 Monday, October 27, 2003