Crusaders 25, Pocklington 35 - Crusaders are still seeking their first win of the season but there are genuine grounds for optimism after their narrow defeat by much fancied visitors Pocklington.

The pre match loss of skipper Simon Atkin and winger Nick Wright was a set back but replacements Richard Leach and Gaven Whitaker justified their elevation to the 1st XV. Each scored a try and Leach's bulk and industry gave the pack a stability and presence which was often lacking in the Season,s two previous games.

Crusaders enjoyed the best of the early exchanges, retaining possession and taking play to the visitors whose taller and heavier forwards could make little progress against some spirited play by the home pack.

Pocklington were, however, dangerous on the counter attack with last ditch tackles by wingman Kevin Young twice halting threatening moves before a penalty goal by former Welsh RU International and Hull rugby league stand-off Gary Pearce gave the visitors the lead after 12 minutes.

Pearce's expanding waistline and advancing years did not prevent him from displaying glimpses of the style and skill of his vintage years and his cunning ball handling and accurate kicking were a significant influence on the game.

Doncaster referee Paul Norton made history mid-way through the first half when Pocklington No. 6 Rhodes was banished to the sin-bin for a brutal late tackle on Gary Davey, becoming the first player to suffer such a fate at Utley after the introduction of the new 10-minute law. To his credit Davey picked himself up and levelled the scores with a well-struck penalty goal.

Pocklington soon re-took the lead when a loose ball was hacked on to the Crusaders line and centre Richard Stephenson out paced a rather flat-footed defence to touch down with Pearce adding the extra points.

Pearce then added a penalty goal but Crusaders rallied well. A break by Tony Fella set up play in the Pocklington '22' area and after several close calls, Richard Leach forced his way over from a tap penalty. Davey's conversion reduced the arrears to three points but just before half time Crusaders were rocked by a well taken try by winger Oxley after slick work by his inside backs.

A long penalty goal by Davey early in the second half, after a barging run by Leach, kept Crusaders in touch. For almost the first time this season the side began to play to its full potential as confidence grew.

Pocklington looked vulnerable when a rejuvenated Crusaders side ran at them and a searing run by full-back Warren Knowles took him almost to the line. Wingman Gaven Whitaker supported by taking an inside pass to touch down and level the scores.

Referee Norton's decision to sin-bin Whitaker for an innocuous late challenge on Connolly owed as much to the victim's theatrical 'dive' as to the referees over reaction, but the effect on the game was profound.

Before the Crusaders defence had reorganised, Stephenson burst through for his second try, converted by Pearce and two minutes later No8 Wilson charged away from the tail of a line out after a suspiciously crooked throw-in to add another try whilst Crusaders were still under strength.

A well executed try by wingman Connolly from a blind side move further extended the lead and Pocklington seemed to have sewed the game up. Crusaders refused to submit however, and with time running out Kevin Young crossed under the posts in style after a clever scissors move in the centre, with Davey adding the goal.