West Hartlepool 16 - 22 Cleckheaton

You don't have to be a Social Anthropologist to understand the difference between the cultures of success and failure. The trip to Hartlepool last Saturday indicated just how fate and fortune can accentuate the two extremes.

Both West and Cleck have struggled this season and this match was never going to be a technical classic with both sides beset with doubts about their consistency and application. What transpired was an encounter full of endeavour, spirit and ultimately a deserved victory for a Cleckheaton side which must now believe that it can push up the table and put pressure on their nearest rivals in the relegation zone. Confidence is everything and this win will give the close-knit Cleck unit the much needed lift for the remaining 10 league games which now stretch well into April.

Prior to kick off, Cleck were hit with the news that Owen Edwards was ill and unable to travel but this was countered by the return of the highly talented Ian Gordon who last played for the club in the National League and has since spent time at both Halifax and Hull Ionians.

Just as at Moorend in September, West fly half Paul Moss was first to convert pressure into points with a penalty in the 3rd minute. Although the home side had both the slope and breeze in their favour Cleck looked dangerous when in possession and in the 13th minute Lance Hamilton went on one of his famous bullocking runs into the heart of the West defence. In beating three would-be tacklers in his drive for the line he set the tone for the afternoon in giving confidence to the side. The try was unconverted but the hosts had got the message.

Moss soon replied with his second penalty and following two missed penalties by Ross Hayden, West extended their lead when second row Ian Dixon drove over from close range following earlier missed tackles.

Cleckheaton were still dangerous in broken play and the extra pace of the back three of Hayden, Massarella and Ashworth and the power of Peter Murphy and Matt Piper was having a telling effect on West's defence. Following excellent work from Dom Castle, carried on by Matt Piper, Tom Lauriston was given the space to outstrip the covering West defenders for a good try which Murphy converted. Cleck were now rampant and an outstanding break by Ross Hayden from within his own 22 ultimately came to nothing through lack of close support.

West dominated territory in the early part of the second half but the visitors obviously had the key match winners in their ranks. On the hour mark substitute Ian Gordon came on and soon afterwards was given the opportunity to open a four point gap with a penalty which he duly converted. Five minutes later a poor West kick out of defence was fielded by the ever dangerous Joe Massarella. As usual his determination took him through the first attempted tackle but as he changed direction towards the posts, the defence melted as he sprinted for the line for the try of the match. Ian Gordon converted and Cleck looked in control. With ten minutes to go West increased their intensity and centre Jamie Connolly scored a try which was unconverted.

Cleck held out with strong defence, Ryan Piercy being particularly prominent in the close exchanges and a jubilant travelling support celebrated the first away league success since November 2008.

Despite the euphoria of victory, mention must be made of the hosts who made big efforts to gain parity and in doing so created a good spectacle for the crowd on a cold and inclement afternoon.