POCKLINGTON Rugby Union Club managed to throw away a comfortable winning position as they went down 39-35 in a pre-season game at Beverley on Saturday.

The home side seemed to be out for the count but ran in 31 points without reply in the final quarter.

Pock led 25-8 with 20 minutes to go but after they made a series of substitutions took their foot off the pedal and then folded alarmingly as Beverley cut loose.

Until then Pock had controlled the match and opened the scoring with a classic try when Mark Taylor sliced through from inside his own half to send Ben Connolly sprinting over.

Further tries by prop Mark Floyd and No 8 Jason Nicholson, both converted by player-coach Gary Pearce, who also kicked a penalty, put Pock in the driving seat at 22-8 at the interval. Beverley responded with a try and a penalty.

Pearce kicked a second penalty after the interval but was then one of three players to be replaced, immediately followed by an injury to dangerous centre Julian Barkworth, as Beverley turned the tables to romp home.

Don't miss the preview to the local rugby union season in your Evening Press this week.