Pocklington take command to win their place in next round

Pocklington were always ahead, without ever managing to finish off

their dogged opponents.

They had more skill and pace in most areas, but Roundhegians made the most of their more limited opportunities.

Pocklington fly-half Henry Mitchell put over his five kicks out from five attempts.

Roundhegians had most of the early play, but once Pocklington got into their stride they stretched the home side with a series of incisive attacks before centre Guy Wilson waltzed through for Mitchell to convert.

Pocklington were committed to playing an expansive game and were held a yard short at each corner but soon after, an attempt to run out of defence presented Roundhegians with an interception try.

Pocklington again battered at the home line but had to settle for a Mitchell penalty to extend their lead, and Roundhegians replied with their own penalty goal soon after.

Pocklington exerted sustained pressure at the start of the second half and eventually broke through with a try in the corner from a forward drive finished off by flanker Scott Littlefair, Mitchell kicking a fine conversion.

Roundhegians came back again and when Pocklington went for an interception but missed, the home wing had a clear run to the corner.

Mitchell gave his side breathing space with an angled penalty, and

Pocklington were unlucky not to extend their lead when their forwards produced a high-speed, 60-yard rolling maul which the home pack collapsed in sight of the try line.

Roundhegians closed with a penalty and Pocklington had to race back to cover a home breakaway. But a kick and chase took play back to the other end where they camped on the home line until they drove over from close range.

Teenage back row Matt Davies was accredited with the score under a pile of bodies, and Mitchell added another good conversion.

Roundhegians scored again following a diagonal cross-kick, but Pocklington had enough in hand to win.

Updated: 11:12 Monday, October 17, 2005