Player-coach Gary Pearce led the way with a 22-point haul to enable Pocklington to retain the Bottomley Trophy with a convincing 47-15 victory over Old Pocklingtonians in the annual Boxing Day 'Town v School' encounter.

The OPs opened the scoring through a Charlie Rook penalty, but Pocklington threw the ball about at every opportunity and good back play put full-back Mark Taylor in for the first touchdown.

More incisive three-quarter play ended with lock Brad Macdonald plunging over, with Pearce converting.

Then Pearce dummied over under the posts, tacking on the conversion.

The OPs started the second half brightly before the home backs took over and dangerous duo Taylor and Ben Connolly both crossed, Pearce adding the conversions.

A good try from wing Graeme Hales, converted by Rook was the OPs response.

But Poocklington regained the initiative and Pearce and Connolly both crossed for a second time, Pearce adding two more conversions.

The OPs stuck to their task gamely and notched a deserved consolation try when centre Will Cobley crashed over late in the match to make the final score 47-15.