THE 43rd John Smith's Pocklington Sevens produced the most dramatic finale in the history of the competition as the York Army side, the Impalas, snatched the title with the last kick of the competition.

The Impalas, dubbed 'the Fulford Fijians' due to the half-dozen players from the South Sea island in their ranks, had been behind from the final's first minute.

Hull included three ex-Pocklington players in their line-up and had the final's dangerman in ex-York Wasp Leroy McKenzie, and on two occasions they looked to have the game in the bag as they twice went 12 points clear.

But the Impalas, whose lavish handling skills initially failed to come off, hung in to eventually peg Hull back and with the last move of the day, squeezed through to level the scores. The conversion attempt was successful to see them lift the Fowler Trophy, which they had previously won in 1993.

Another bumper bank holiday crowd basked in the Percy Road sunshine and enjoyed a host of well-contested games throughout the day, also including an excellent plate competition final which saw Newcastle side Northern beat Hull Ionians 26-19.

The main competition saw the Impalas, Hull, York-managed Quality Street Gang and London outfit Isleworth as the main contenders.

The Impalas were hard-pressed to defeat York in their first game but then moved smoothly through into the final, while Hull, whose hardest test was also their first game, against Scarborough, knocked out both Isleworth and Quality Street Gang. Both finalists showed impressive pace and handling before giving the day a fitting high-spot.

Pocklington were playing Huddersfield today in a quickly arranged friendly at Percy Road after their game against York was called off during the week.

Updated: 11:57 Saturday, April 14, 2001