Cleckheaton 7 York 15

Cleckheaton welcomed York to Moorend for a rearranged game that was frozen off earlier in the season. Cleckheaton had several regulars missing, Mike Hayward with a broken arm and Tom Hainsworth with a broken rib and Ben Thrower suspended after his sending off last week. There was a first start for Lewis Symonds on the wing, Liam Goldthorpe was on the bench for the first time in 10 years along with Dom Howarth and Sam Cheney. Richard Noble was partnering Dom Brambani in the centres.
Cleckheaton kicked off and the early exchanges were very even, York threatened but Jack Marshall went for an interception and conceded a penalty which with some aggressive goal line defence kept the visitors at bay. On 19 minutes Robin Bennett was sent to the naughty step for a high tackle and York quickly took advantage to score the opening try through Ashman, which was converted by George Davies, 0-7 after 20 minutes. Cleckheaton struck back on 24 minutes with a quickly taken penalty and kick pass to the left wing by Dale Breakwell, Braden Hunter collected the ball and fed Richard Noble who crashed over for his 3rd try of the season, Dale Breakwell added the goal 7-7 on 25 minutes. Cleckheaton then had their best period of the game, probing for an opening but the York defence was solid and the final act of the first half saw a long 50-22 kick by Dale Breakwell find the touchline only for Mr Penfold to blow for half time.
Into the second half , Cleckheaton were pressing but were adjudged to have knocked on near the York 22, from the resulting scrum , York broke down the right for a long range try in the corner from Woofinden which was unconverted 7-12 after 48 minutes. The game swung back and forth both teams having chances but York were just a little bit better organised,their Number 8 Wim Enslin was outstanding in attack and defence but the MoM went to his back row partner Shane Goulding. The Cleckheaton scrum had been solid all game but came under increasing pressure as the game wore on and on 78 minutes , a penalty was conceded 30 metres out and wide on the left, the kick from Davies was good and York took a 7-15 lead which would deny Cleckheaton a losing bonus point. The final whistle blew and York celebrated the victory. The home teams MoM went to prop Niall Jackson. Cleckheaton fought hard but were unlucky to come out of the game with nothing. Next game is Saturday 11th February away at Ilkley kick off is at 2.15