OP SPORT
OPS AT POCK 7S 2025
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 nonstop 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 semifinal, 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)
It’ s time for Pock 7s 2026!
At Pocklington RUFC, Percy Road From 12 noon to 7.00pm
Play for the OP team Contact the OP office to sign up!
PIXIES ANNUAL TOUR 2024
Sunday 10 August 2025 saw the Pixies make the long journey down to Kent to mark the start of the annual tour.
HOLMESDALE It was a tough start to the tour, with the Pixies falling to 96-6 despite a solid 27 from Jake Fairey. Thanks to a rebuild from Steve Burdett( 35) and Rob Boddy( 08-19)( 53), the Pixies posted a respectable 230. Unfortunately, this wasn’ t enough, and the hosts knocked it off with 2 wickets in hand despite the best efforts of Ollie Rook( 10-24)( 3-30).
ANSTY Ansty once again proved to be a great opponent, playing cricket in the right spirit and embracing tour culture. The Pixies batted first and posted a very competitive 283-9 in their 40 overs, thanks to 87 from Ollie Rook, and a quickfire 37 from the
24 in-form Rob Boddy. With the hosts well placed to win, captain Steve Burdett brought himself into the attack. In the final over, Ansty needed 9 runs to win, with 2 wickets in hand. No problem for Steve, who only needed 4 balls to take the 2 wickets and win the Pixies the match.
HAYWARDS HEATH The Pixies batted first and at 87-3 the game looked in the balance. However, the stand of 128 between Josh Tanikal( 72) and Stu Wainwright( 105) put the Pixies into pole position. Posting 257, the Pixies looked in control. The game was put to bed when Jonty Goddard( 11-19) entered the attack, taking 6 wickets for just 34 runs as the Pixies went on to win by 108 runs.
MARDEN Today marked a milestone, as Adam Iyer( 96-06) made his 100th Pixie appearance, putting himself into an exclusive club.
Adam opened the batting and looked set for a half century on his big day but fell just short with 46. Ably supported by Joe Moore( 82-91)( 39), Matthew Atkinson( 85-93)( 54 *) and Steve Burdett( 41) the Pixies again performed with the bat, scoring 254 runs. In response Marden never really got going thanks to tight bowling from Josh Tanikal( 8-5-14- 3). The hosts ended up being bowled out for 228, resulting in another win for the Pixies.