Owing to a frost bound pitch at Moorend this traditional match for the Fred Scott trophy had to be switched to Hipperholme at the last minute where the weather gods had been kinder in producing a pitch where the going was good to heavy. A large crowd eventually congregated at Woodhead when the social media networks had finally informed those who wanted to know of the switch. Cleckheaton had the benefit of the slope in the first half and were slow, as is the norm, out of the stalls.As fragile bodies became accustomed to contact and the players reacted to a few wags crying out for some action slowly but surely the game began to take shape. Brods were very competitive in the forward exchanges and it was obvious that they were not going to be intimidated by the visitors' league record. The first score came from a line out where the the ball was expertly driven to the line for a try scored by Andy Piper.Ross Hayden failed to convert but he was successful with his second effort following a similar try scored by skipper Richard Piper.

In the second half the Cleckheaton machine clicked into action and the combination of coordinated forward drives and solid set piece possession enabled the backs to exploit the space created to score three further tries. Matt Piper was first to cross in the 51st minute following a period of sustained pressure. Ross Hayden converted and ten minutes later added the extras to the best try of the match when Iain Gordon, guesting for his former team following his move to London, produced a perfectly weighted cross kick for winger Craig Blackburn to gather on the full and sprint over for an excellent try. Matt Piper completed the scoring in the 73rd minute,with his second try to cap his usual industrious and dominant performance and Ross Hayden converted once again showing his all round footballing skills.

Much credit must go to both sides, the referee, the Old Brodleians club and both coaches for a game to go ahead at all following the need to switch venues at the last minute. All parties obviously wanted to play and it would have been much easier for Old Brodleians to acknowledge that they hadn't planned for such a situation to occur and decline the switch.Instead the spirit of rugby prevailed and a grateful crowd were left with a competitive match and enough fresh air to warrant a few more beverages in the bar.

As far as the Cleckheaton side was concerned this was much needed action as they enter a critical period in their hitherto successful league season. Nothing can compare with competitive match action for a continuation of a winning momentum and this match was certainly that.