Darlington 20 - 17 Cleckheaton

Cleckheaton continued their run of inconsistent form when going out of the Intermediate Cup at the second round stage. As has become the norm for away games, the make up of the team was much changed both from the previous week's match where seven squad changes were made and from the original selection where two additional changes were made necessitating a further four positional changes on the day. Such statistics create a 'scratch' side effectively with all the resultant organisational problems. To the credit of the players who did step up at the last minute or who had to play out of position, every one of them made major contributions, none more so than Robin Bennett and Ed Chappelow who showed a great willingness to compete physically and push their claims for regular inclusion in the senior team.

Darlington took an early lead when full back Nick Baldwin kicked a penalty. Both sides made errors in the freezing conditions but Cleckheaton, playing with the strong wind, failed to finish off several scoring opportunities which should have taken them into an unassailable position at the interval. Matters improved just prior to half time when Ben Wade powered over for a try which Ross Hayden converted.

The travelling supporters hardly had time to retreat to the warmth of the clubhouse and a welcoming cup of soup before Darlington regained the initiative with three tries in fifteen minutes. Once again flowing attacking moves from deep, Ross Hayden and Dominic Brambani both prominent in their inception, broke down and from defence Darlington counter attacked. Winger Adam Kibirige was the beneficiary of Cleckheaton's lack of cohesion running in two tries both from within his own half and fly half Henry Carver also cut through poor defence to score a try which he converted.

Thirteen points adrift and Cleckheaton suddenly began to show individual and collective initiative. A sense of urgency became apparent, Lance Hamilton urged on the troops and the last ten minutes was played in the Darlington half. Prop forward Andrew Piper was driven over the line by his colleagues for a much needed try on sixty eight minutes and two minutes later Ross Hayden was rewarded for his enterprise with another try. Both tries were unconverted. Relentless pressure tested Darlington's resolve but they held out to record the win.

Now Cleckheaton need to regroup and return to Darlington on Saturday with much more organisation and 100% commitment. The team must surely realise that, in the main, they held the upper hand and two vital away league points is nothing short of essential. The team in general appears to lack confidence, although individuals such as Ross Hayden, Dominic Brambani, Ben Wade, Waisele Sovatabua and the ever chirpy Lance Hamilton often appear to transcend the team's malaise. To that list can also be added the name of Robin Bennett who on his first appearance of the season performed heroically in the unaccustomed position of scrum half.