POCKLINGTON RUFC and Ripon have a habit of producing close games and it was no exception on Saturday when Ripon edged home 23-19 in Yorkshire Two at Mallorie Park.

Pock had most of the attacking play, but Ripon, with their New Zealand stand-off Robbie Rua, running the show, made the most of their opportunities.

The visitors took a fourth minute lead when their best player Tim Nixon came off his wing to batter up the middle and flanker Scott Littlefair was in support to score, Henry Mitchell converting.

Rua got the home side to within a point with two well-struck penalties and Ripon cashed in when Pock made a mess of a kick ahead and were gifted a converted try.

Pocklington laid siege to the Ripon line at the end of the first-half and the home side gave a way a series of penalties, Mitchell kicking one of them to narrow the gap to three points.

Pock's lineout specialist Matt Biggin went off just before the break after falling awkwardly but his team-mates started the second half strongly and after missing a straightforward kicking chance Mitchell put them level with a penalty.

Ripon replied by switching play from left to right to score a converted try in the corner.

Pocklington piled on the pressure in the final quarter and Mitchell kicked two further penalties, but Pock also turned down a couple of goal attempts to gain field position.

Ripon held out and the influential Rua gave his side breathing space with a penalty on a rare home attack and his side held firm in the latter stages to take victory.

Updated: 11:03 Monday, March 27, 2006