Pocklington were left to rue their sleepy opening when they presented visitors North Ribblesdale with a 12-point start.

For the rest of the game they worked their hearts out and were in control for long periods, but they had left themselves with too much to do and went down 17-12.

For the first ten minutes, Pocklington were unable to win a line-out on their own throw, and when they did get the ball they were unable to hold on to it. Ribblesdale were quick to take advantage and running two tries, the first a close-range effort from the forwards, then a converted second running from half way by their backs.

But Pocklington showed their resolve to overcome these early blows and spent the rest of the first half on the attack.

They occasionally threatened to break through with Kevin Bowling always dangerous at fly-half and No8 Andy Richardson revelling in the close quarter battle.

However, Ribblesdale were adept at a spoiling game and Pocklington were restricted to four penalties from six attempts, three of them from long range, by full-back Mark Taylor to tie the scores at 12-12 at the interval.

Pocklington had a sign it might not be their day when, after playing with a breeze behind them in the first half, they turned around to face a monsoon.

Nevertheless, they defended determinedly early on then gradually worked their way up field with some committed play.

They again spent long periods on the offensive without really threatening the Ribblesdale line, while the visitors would occasionally clear with long kicks down field.

However, Pocklington kept battling back and were looking the likelier winners when Ribblesdale suddenly broke out of defence to run 70 yards cross field.

They held the position in the closing minutes and eventually crashed over for the winning score to leave disappointed Pocklington with nothing to show for their spirit and endeavour.

Updated: 12:10 Monday, January 28, 2002