OPs Triumph in Classic Boxing Day Showdown
OPs Triumph in Classic Boxing Day Showdown
The Bottomley Trophy returned to West Green for the first time since 2019 as Old Pocklingtonians defeated Pocklington 27-21.
Another bumper Boxing Day crowd saw a game of fluctuating fortunes that went to the day's final play. Pocklington School’s OPs looked to be coasting as they led by 22 points after half an hour; before Pocklington grabbed a late score for 7-22 at the break. The town then had the better of the second period but ended just short as the OPs prevailed at the death.
The OPs were straight onto the offensive, opening the scoring inside five minutes as No 8 Joe Laudage (04-15) smuggled over, Max Jones (17-22) converting. Pocklington then failed to turn pressure into points with the OPs turning the tables, kicking downfield and spreading possession wide right to cross again through James Couttie (15-23).
The end-to-end play continued, Pocklington attacking the clubhouse side only for OP wing Billy Higgins (98-07) to intercept the last pass and show that the legs are older but the pace undiminished, galloping 80 yards to score. And the OPs pulled clear with a fourth try, running Pock's kick back from halfway, switching out and back in for the lurking Laudage to grab his second touchdown.
Pocklington snatched a lifeline with the last play of the half, prop Dan Elvidge bullocking over for Henry Clegg to convert. The Percy Roaders took that momentum into the second period, wearing down the School defence for evergreen Shane Sellers to complete a catch and drive, Clegg again converting.
Pocklington resumed the attack only for the School to strike the hammer blow, running a quick tap from their own line, then backs and forwards combining in a 90 yard breakout for athletic lock Henry Rodmell (16-23) to finish.
Rallied by the Tim Clappison MOM Trophy winner Ed Shirley, Pocklington battered again; and more forward pressure saw Dec Malarkey crash over with Clegg converting. That put Pocklington back within a score, and with the last play they broke clear on the left only for the OP cover to just get across to save the day.
Pictured are Pocklington School Head Becky Lovelock and Pocklington RUFC President Paul Rhodes presenting the Bottomley Trophy to winning Old Pocklingtonian skipper James Flint (00-11).
Thank you to hosts, Pocklington Rugby Club, and all those who played, officiated, or supported.
Photo credits: Andy Nelson Sports Photography
Report: Phil Gilbank (67-74)
