Cleckheaton have had a number of semi final appearances in the Yorkshire Cup over the last decade but last made it to the final in 2005, after defeating Leeds Tykes in injury time of a notable game at Chandos. Thanks to Paul Turner (or strictly speaking Terry Turner), we have a photo of the programme, which makes very interesting reading.

Leeds Tykes largely put out their academy side for this Weds night game and as you will see many of those young men were not bad players! Half the side going on to gain international caps from England (Vickerman, Burrell, Care, Crane), Scotland (M Cusack) and Eng Saxons (Webber, Myall), while others, though not capped, went on to careers in Premiership Rugby/Rugby League.

Cleckheaton on the other hand were not such a young side with several players having already said goodbye to their 35th birthdays but there was plenty of class as well as experience in Cleck's team. Whilst many of the players have since retired or moved on to pastures new, there are several still involved with the club, including our Head Coach Scott Benton, our Chairman and a trio of players Carl Mason, Grant Turton and former captain and now one of our forwards coaches, Paul Turner, who will also be in the starting line up on Saturday!

The game was a dramatic affair with Leeds Tykes edging into the lead 15-14 as the clock ran down to 80 minutes. Cleckheaton were awarded a penalty on the half way line and as the options were being considered by John Bentley, the referee informed the side it was the last play. Up stepped Glen Boyd and much to the disbelief of the watching Leeds Tykes first team, he hit the ball hard and straight enough to carry it the 50m it needed to go through the uprights for a last ditch win.

If this year's campaign can be as exciting as that game, then we are in for a thrilling season. Your support over in Hull would be very much appreciated.