This year’s Old Pocklingtonians team arrived at the 2026 Pock 7s with a solid squad of 12 players. They were supported throughout the day by OP Liaison Officer, Rachel Dare, and Pocklington School teaching staff members Patrick Dare and Steve Spruyt.

The OPs were originally drawn against Fijian side Lomaiviti 7s but after withdrawing from the tournament at the last minute, the OPs were given a bye and progressed straight into the main competition where they met Driffield for their first played match.

The game started well, with James Rial opening the scoring in confident style with a showman like swallow‑dive finish over the try line! Unfortunately, partway through the first half, Joe Colley took a knock to his knee and was forced to come off. Despite this setback, the OPs maintained their momentum, working hard to hold off a determined Driffield side and securing a 17–14 win to progress to the quarter‑finals.

In the last eight they faced quality side Cleveland Cougars, previous tournament winners and experienced 7s tourists. Bolstered by Ollie Rayner, the OPs put in a committed performance keeping the match competitive throughout, creating breaks and refusing to let the Cougars pull away. However, in the end the Cougars proved to be the stronger side, narrowly defeating the OPs 12–17 and bringing their Pock 7s run to a close.

Although the OPs didn’t progress further this year, they can hold their heads high after two fantastic matches played with great determination and spirit. From an eye‑catching opening try to a stalwart effort against tough opposition, it proved to be an enjoyable and worthwhile day for all involved.

Elsewhere in the tournament, Old Grovians, the Woodhouse Grove School old boys’ team, took the Fowler Trophy with a convincing 43-5 win in the main final against James Thompson’s (03-14) Northern Exiles. On their third visit to Pock 7s, OP Ed Spink’s (14-23) Northumbria Thunderhawks from Northumbria University were thrilled to win the Plate competition defeating Malton & Norton 28-14.

In the newly introduced Wooden Spoon division, spectators were treated to a closely fought all-York final with Old Peterites winning 33-31 against rivals York Saints. Meanwhile, in the women's tournament, Leeds-based newcomers West Park Sycamores lifted the Amy Hardy Cup after overcoming invitation side, Filthy Fifths 27-10.

Thank you to hosts and organisers, Pocklington RUFC for another successful and enjoyable tournament – the OPs look forward to returning to Pock 7s next year!

OP team:

Luke Mcallister (11-19), Danny Ratcliffe (12-21), Ollie Eagle (17-22), Tom Hirst (14-22), Danny Prescott (09-22), Johnny Raper (15-22), James Rial (16-20), Jack Woodhead (13-20), James Coles (14-23), Joe Colley (16-23), Henry Rodmell (16-23), Billy L, Oli Rayner (14-18).

If any OPs would be interested in joining the OP squad for next year's Pock 7s, please contact the OP office.