Another big day of seven-a-side rugby at Pocklington on Good Friday proved to be a memorable occasion for the Old Pocklingtonians’ team who reached the semi-final of the plate competition. Meanwhile in the main competition, there were new names added to both the men’s and the women’s trophies.

The 65th Warrendale Wagyu Pock 7s held on Friday 18 April 2025 saw 32 teams and thousands of spectators pack into Pocklington Rugby Club’s Percy Road ground for a ten-hour feast of non-stop rugby. Among the competitors was the Old Pocklingtonians’ (OPs) team keen to make their mark on the pitch.

In the preliminary round, the OPs were drawn against a well-drilled Selby side. The match began evenly, but despite the OPs’ relentless effort and hard-fought play for the ball, Selby gained the upper hand in the second half, securing a 40-19 victory. This result placed the OPs into the Plate competition.

Bouncing back in style, the OPs dominated their first Plate match with a decisive 46-10 win over Malton, showcasing their teamwork and fluid play. Their momentum carried them to the Plate semi-final, where they faced local rivals, Driffield. The semi-final was end-to-end, with both teams battling for a coveted spot in the final. Despite both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, the OPs narrowly missed out, with Driffield coming out on top to win the game 17-15.

Although their campaign ended there, the OPs made the most of the occasion, enjoying the lively atmosphere in the beer tent and catching up with family and friends on the touchline. The players are already looking forward to returning next year for another great day of rugby!

Meanwhile in the main competition, the West Yorkshire side, Old Grovians, lifted the Fowler Trophy on their event debut. The team made up of former pupils of Woodhouse Grove School, beat Lomaitivi, the army Fijians from Catterick, in the final by 38-12.

In the women’s competition, Bishop Burton OG stormed to a 33-7 win over defending champions Sale Metrodogs, securing the Amy Hardy Cup.

In the men's Plate, Jersey Royals defeated Driffield 28-12 to claim the Herring Plate. The full results are listed below.

Thank you to all the OPs who played, and to Pocklington School staff members Patrick Dare and Steve Spruyt for managing the team on the day.

If any OPs would like to get involved in next year’s 7s squad, please get in touch with the OP office.

OP TEAM: Jonty Goddard (11-19), Charlie Laudage (08-19), Oli Scutt (09-15), Danny Ratcliffe (12-21), Ollie Eagle (17-22), Henry Green (10-22), Tom Hirst (14-22), Danny Prescott (09-22), James Rial (16-20), Billy Spruyt (11-22), Jack Woodhead (13-20), Henry Rodmell (16-23)

FULL RESULTS:

Preliminary Round:

York Saints 24 Hull Ionians 19; Jersey Royals 10 Lomaiviti 14; Pock Porkers 19 Woldgate OB 26; Goole 15 Driffield 10; Panthers & Pilgrims 10 Old Scardeburgians 17; Selby 40 Old Pocklingtonians 19; Malton & Norton 0 Rays & Strays 50

First Round

Pocklington 10 Northern Exiles 40; Metrodogs 12 v York Saints 28; Old Peterites 5 Lomaiviti 24; Warrendale Wagyu Warriors 29 Woldgate OB 12; Old Grovians 42 Goole 5; Martin's Minions (Barnard Castle) 29 Old Scardeburgians 12; Cleveland Cougars 24 Selby 12; Northumbria Thunderhawks 22 Rays & Strays 17

Quarter Finals:

Northern Exiles 17 York Saints 7; Lomaiviti 38 Warrendale Wagyu Warriors 7; Old Grovians 45 Martin's Minions (Barnard Castle) 0; Old Scardeburgians 12; Cleveland Cougars 14 Northumbria Thunderhawks 15

Semi Finals:

Northern Exiles 12 Lomaiviti 19; Old Grovians 31 Northumbria Thunderhawks 5

Final:

Lomaiviti Fijians 12 Old Grovians 38

Plate Competition:

Quarter Finals:

Hull Ionians 0 Jersey Royals 36; Pock Porkers 12 Metrodogs 41; Driffield 25 Panthers & Pilgrims 12; Old Pocklingtonians 46 Malton & Norton 10

Semi Finals:

Jersey Royals 27 Metrodogs 0; Driffield 17 Old Pocklingtonians 15

Final: Jersey Royals 28 Driffield 12

Women’s Competition

Group A: Pocklington 15 Selby 5; Metrodogs 44 Selby 0; Northallerton 22 York RI 12; York RI 5 Metrodogs 22; Pocklington 22 Northallerton 12; Selby 22 York RI 7; Pocklington 36 York RI 0; Metrodogs 36 Northallerton 5; Selby 26 Northallerton 17; Metrodogs 24 Pocklington 0

Group B: Bishop Burton OG 31 Durham Uni 10; Old Brods 29 Valkyries 10; Durham Uni 22 Old Brods 0; Bishop Burton OG 31 Durham Uni 10; Old Brods 29 Valkyries 10; Bishop Burton OG 32 Valkyries 17; Durham Uni 38 Valkyries 5; Bishop Burton OG 29 Old Brods 5.

Third Place Play-off

Durham Uni 31 Pocklington 0

Final:

Bishop Burton OG 33 Sale Metrodogs 7