Old Crossleyans 29 - 10 Cleckheaton

Cleckheaton's inconsistent form continued at Broomfield when the hosts comprehensively outplayed a side which, on this performance, is a mere shadow of itself compared to the pre-christmas period.

The first half was relatively even with both sides threatening the line with forward power. Johnno Marshall settled quickly into his new role at fly half, brought about by the absence of regular number 10 Iain Gordon due to work commitments. Crossleyans took the lead against the run of play on the half hour mark, when veteran prop Andy Day was driven over the line for a try which was converted by Neil Richardson.

Cleckheaton hit back soon after when Andy Piper was awarded a similar try from short range. Ross Hayden converted. In injury time at the break Richardson was given the opportunity to regain the lead following another Cleckheaton indiscretion and he duly obliged with his first penalty. The match was evenly poised at half time but the Crossleyans pack with a number of experienced forwards in key positions were starting to gain the upper hand.

The second half was very much a case of Old Crossleyans, desperate for points to stave off relegation, playing with much more commitment and determination. With promotion hopes all but gone, the Cleck lads, in a run of indifferent form of late, were unable to produce the intensity that has seen them prevail over the best sides in the division.

Three tries from the home side, two of which were converted by Neil Richardson reflected their overall superiority, especially in the set pieces where possession for the visitors virtually dried up. A Ross Hayden penalty was Cleckheaton's only second half reward on a disappointing afternoon. A swift return to form is needed before next weeks' clash with league leaders Percy Park, if Cleck are to complete a substantial double over the then unbeaten North East side, who they beat with a winning bonus point earlier in the season.