Pocklington 12 v Aire 29

Aire were missing several established players for this league opener; however the new and returning lads were eager to put a marker down & stake a claim for their jersey. Aire had the wind and slope in the first half and were hoping to use both to good effect; however as the half unfolded it didn't go exactly to plan.

The home side were clearly well drilled and despite the lions share of possession Aire were guilty of forcing plays and inaccuracies. This gave Pock a foothold in the game and they used phases to stress Aire's scrambling defence. There was respite when Aire were awarded a penalty, but a missed touch was ran back with relish and Pock made their way deep into Aire's 22m. A series of ruck pick and goes made headway, but a solo runner was clattered by big Will Farrell, which temporarily took the sting out of the attack. Pock regrouped and deserved the opening score to lead 5-0.

A sweet re-start was chased by Sammy Woodley, who was desperately unlucky to knock on with open field ahead. This snapped Aire back to lufe and they used their dominant set piece to grind Pock down. Aire were awarded a 5m scrum, but with the whitewash beckoning the ball was knocked on. Aire continued to spill chances, but quickly recycled ball was swiftly fed right and Sammy sliced through to score & the conversion was slotted.

Despite plenty of endeavour it just wasn't sticking for Aire and a couple of gilt edge chances were bombed, but credit to Pock for their committed defence. Aire knew that a lead of 7 wasn't enough and with the clock ticking down laid siege to Pocks line. Aire were awarded a penalty, but spurned the 3 points in favour of a tap and go. The ball reached Lewis Rudd-Watson who ran with menace to force his way over for another converted score. Aire fielded to re-start and Gus Smith made excellent yards down the right and into the red zone. Several pods eroded the defence and with 1m to go skipper Eddie Farnell picked and went to score with the last play taking Aire to a 19-5 lead at HT.

Aire's squad size was dwarfed by Pock's and fatigue and knocks were evident. The lad's re-grouped and prepared themselves for what would likely be a relentless 40 mins. The opening exchanges looked ominous for Aire, with Pock pounding their line with heavy runners. Aire withstood a barrage and no tackles were shirked. On one occasion their giant forward looked certain to score, but was held up by stand off Harvey Sellers, who then ripped the ball from his grasp. Aire looked to play out, but this back fired and a turn over led to another Pock try and conversion.

Aire needed some inspiration and it was delivered from the re-start which Pock let the ball bounce and Sammy was on hand to scoop it up at full tilt and he scythed through the shocked defence to score a revitalising and morale boosting score. This score provided much needed daylight and Aire rallied and much of the last 20 was played in the middle of the park. The forwards had put in a monstrous shift and due to injury to the impressive Hayden Pickett they were boosted by the arrival of Lomu like winger Gus Smith. Pock were rocked and they were then guilty of forcing passes and inaccuracies. The pendulum had swung again and Aire now had the upper hand. With minutes remaining the ball was fed to full back Joe Priestley, who pierced the left hand side and with defenders closing in found Sammy with an accurate pass and a dive in the corner sealed an impressive win.

The lads were flat out at the final whistle, but they and the travelling support were delighted that they had managed to hold their nerve and secure a BP victory. Like the previous week it's hard to single players out but in terms of development Hayden Pickett had a cracking game at both flanker and when required at prop. Will Farrell made some big impacts and going forward his goal is to maintain this over 80 mins. Scrum half Danyal Aslam had another solid game and over the past 2 weeks he has been the vital component in releasing a quality back line. The MOM award (and Hawaiian flower necklace) has to go to Sammy Woodly who scored a hat trick, but more importantly put Aire back on the front foot at a critical time.

Next Sunday is home league game against Moortown KO 11:30