A full squad of 12 OP players,formed from recent leavers and a merger between Old Pocklingtonians and OP Dragons played as the Old Pocklingtonians team in this year’s Pock 7s on 7 April 2023.

In the preliminary round, the OPs were drawn against Old Peterites’ team, York Wild Turkeys, with the match taking place centre stage on the front pitch straight after the opening match between hosts Pocklington and the Pilgrims. After a strong start by the OPs, the opposition pulled way in the second half to take the win, 12-36, relegating the OPs to the Plate competition.

After their early start, a hiatus followed for the OPs as they waited for the Plate draw at 3.00pm. Their next match was confirmed at 3.40pm against local side, Goole. Unfortunately for the OPs, Goole, having played together more regularly, proved to be the stronger team in a one-sided game that saw the OPs go out of the competition 0-29. Goole were the eventual winners of the Plate competition in an all-East Yorkshire Goole versus Driffield finale, with Goole edging it 24-16.

In the main competition, after nine hours of non-stop rugby, it came down to an all north-east final between Cleveland Cougars and Barnard Castle Old Boys, also dubbed Martin's Minions. It was end-to-end in the early stages, but Cleveland pulled away late on to lift the trophy by 24-10.

In the women’s 7s tournament, which was played earlier in the day, eight teams competed for the Amy Hardy Cup. University team Manchester Metrodogs came from behind in the final against local side Bishop Burton College to lift the trophy 10-5.

A good day was had by all with the OP team enjoying the rugby and lots of socialising! Thank you to all who played and hopefully see you back next year!

Old Pocklingtonians Team 2023: Rob Boddy (08-19), Jonty Goddard (11-19), Henry Green (10-22), Joe Holbrough (98-04), Joe Laudage (04-15), Ben Maycock (14-21), Danny Prescott (09-22), Danny Ratcliffe(12-21), Henry Rodmell, Louis Sangwin (13-20), Oliver Scutt (09-15), Jack Woodhead (13-20).