Harrogate Pythons RUFC suffer sixth defeat in seven matches on the road at Pocklington RUFC

Dan Bird’s team have been very much in each and every one of their opening half-a-dozen fixtures since earning promotion from Yorkshire Two at the end of last season, but Saturday saw them blown away by their hosts during the opening exchanges.

Trailing by 22 points, they did rally and gave a better account of themselves after the interval, though were left with too much to do.

“Pocklington have always been a strong side with some recent experience in higher leagues,” head coach Bird reflected.

"Their pack had the advantage early on but the lads held fast and were able to turn that around in the second half”.

The game was evenly matched initially, but Pocklington quickly took full control, scoring four converted tries.

Will Clough kicked a couple of penalties for ‘Gate, but at 28-6, they were left with it all to do with half-time approaching.

Late in the first period, a well-worked move saw George Booth break into the home 22, where Clough fed debutant Chris Keegan, who dived under the posts. Clough then added the extras to make it 26-13 at the break.

The hosts added another try shortly after the resumption, with Clough kicking a third penalty before the hosts went over again for 40-16.

Hugh Tatlow touched down for the Pythons, with Clough again converting, narrowing the gap at 40-23, however it was Pocklington who had the final word when they grabbed a late converted try.