The big festive crowd that came from near and far, including a clutch back home from abroad, was treated to an entertaining game on a mild and misty afternoon at Percy Road. The occasion is all about Christmas camaraderie, with former schoolmates on both sides, but the commitment and rivalry were evident from the off. Old Pocklingtonians struck first to open the scoring with an early Tom Sowersby (05-12) penalty. Pocklington's set piece advantage then put them in the driving seat, with No 8 Matty Downes blasting over on the quarter hour, and Harry Matthews (15-20) adding the extras.

The OPs were on the back foot, but suddenly broke out of their own half through Jonty Goddard's (11-19) deft chip with Sam May (12-19) winning the race for the touchdown. Pocklington resumed the offensive, going wide for Freddie Peel to dive in on the left; then Will Barrett's long run down the opposite flank saw him cross for a 17-8 interval lead.

The OPs grabbed the initiative as play resumed, offloading left for Billy Higgins (98-07) to tiptoe along the touchline and squeeze in at the flag. It was end-to-end stuff as the unstoppable Downes charged over for his second try; then guest OP prop Dan Elvidge battered and stretched to the line to cut the deficit back to one score at 24-18, the school conversion coming back off the bar.

Pocklington took over again with Kelby McClaren plunging in from close range; then pulled away as Archie Wilcock surged clear from deep, Matthews supporting to scamper over and convert.

But it was the OPs that finished the stronger. Their pressure gaining a series of penalties and halfback Danny Prescott (09-22) took a quick tap to dot down, Sowersby drop-kicking the conversion. And the OPs promptly recovered the restart to send Danny Ratcliffe (12-21) dashing to the corner before referee Iain Hallam's final whistle brought matters to a close and the game concluded 38-30 to Pocklington Town.

PRUFC President, Paul Rhodes (74-83), handed over the Bottomley Trophy to Pocklington captain, Will Sayer (08-15); then presented Matty Downes with the game's new man of the match cup in memory of Pocklington RUFC and Pocklington School legend, Tim Clappison (59- 69) – a leading light of the Boxing Day game for many years.

Thank you to all OPs who played or supported and for Pocklington RUFC for hosting another excellent rugby event.

(Report by Phil Gilbank 67-74, photos, with permission, by Phil Gilbank, Andy Nelson, and Patrick Dare)