Pocklington's oldest sporting fixture on Boxing Day again produced the season's biggest crowd, with Pocklington RUFC retaining the Bottomley Trophy thanks to a 40-22 victory over Old Pocklingtonians.

Pocklington had stormed into a 33-0 interval lead, but the OPs’ spirited comeback saw them score four second half tries to one before Pocklington prevailed to finish on top at the end of an entertaining encounter.

Pocklington battered at the OP line from the start but were met by some determined tackling until back row Will Nicholson (09-15) plunged over. The OPs produced some promising passages of play only to lose the ball at key moments, and their failing was exemplified on the quarter hour as an OP attack broke down and a long Pock box kick saw Christian Pollock outpace the cover to touchdown.

It continued to be end-to-end fare, but Pocklington's incisiveness when they got into the red zone saw them pull away with two successive close-range touchdowns by young flanker Archie Wilcock. All four conversions were added by Harry Matthews (15-20), and at 28-0 Pocklington looked home and hosed.

But the OPs hinted at revival when Lewis Wilson (14-16) powered over at the side of the posts, Ben Maycock (14-21) converting. And despite Ed Liversidge blasting over from a tap penalty, the OP comeback continued with centre Tom Sowersby (05-12) slicing through in midfield, followed by guest scrum half Freddie Hara darting over.

A diagonal kick to the corner created the fourth OP try for wing Jonty Goddard (11-19) before Pocklington had the final word with a second score for Liversidge, converted by Pollock.

Photo caption: Pocklington and Old Pocklingtonians after their annual Boxing Day game.

Photo credit: Andy Nelson

Report credit: OP Phil Gilbank (67-74)