AN experimental side fielded by Pocklington paid the price for a plethora of handling errors as they went down 26-19 at home to a Driffield XV.

With Percy Road frozen, the game was switched to the club's additional ground at Kilnwick Road, but Pocklington gave the visitors an early boost as slack tackling allowed them through for a converted try.

Things continued to go Driffield's way as a lucky bounce from a high kick saw them go under the posts, before Pocklington hit back as Sam Allen cut through in the centre and guest full- back Dan Clappison converted.

Pocklington declined half a dozen chances to kick at goal and instead went for position.

But just before half time Driffield crossed in the corner and converted from the touch-line to make it 21-7 at the break.

With the wind, Pocklington had plenty of second-half pressure but failed to turn it into points as numerous passes went to ground, while the Driffield back row also regularly stole the ball in the loose.

Pocklington made half a dozen substitutions and fly-half Kevin Bowling danced through for a solo try that he also converted to put his side back into contention.

However, Pocklington's comeback hopes were sunk when an attacking chip fell into the arms of the Driffield wing who had a 70-yard clear run to the line to put his side out of sight.

Replacement full back Mark Taylor, took a ball off his toes to go over in the corner for a late try but it was too little, too late, for Pocklington.

Ripon triumphed 22-10 at Ilkely to move into third place in Yorkshire Two.

Leaders Dinnington were without a game but but were joined at the top by Huddersfield YMCA, 19-11 victors at Skipton. Adam Adamson scored all Skipton's points.

In the first round of the North Yorkshire Trophy, Knaresborough won 25-14 at a Redcar XV.

Meanwhile, Selby's club game at Wheatley Hills fell foul of the weather.

Updated: 11:33 Monday, December 31, 2001