Pontefract 18 - 36 Cleckheaton

Cleckheaton continued their late surge up the league table with a six try performance against dogged and always competitive opponents. Ultimately the visitors were more decisive in the backs where winger Martin Woodhead scored four second half tries to secure five more points and overtake Wheatley Hills to move into third place.

It was Pontefract who took the early lead with a try in the fifth minute when no8 player coach Chris Planchant, made a telling 50 yard break and from the ensuing ruck hooker Andy Smith crossed for an unconverted try.

The early score provided the necessary wake up call for Cleckheaton and from a beautiful midfield break by Peter Murphy, Ross Hayden sprinted over for his 21st try of the season. Iain Gordon added the extras. Both sets of forwards showed determination and aggression and territory was even as Andy Dean put Pontefract back into the lead with a penalty.

Skipper Paul Turner was yellow carded for not rolling away at the ruck but Iain Gordon regained the lead for the visitors with a penalty goal. Minutes from half time Pontefract once more took the lead when their best player No8 Chris Planchant, drove over for a try which was converted by Dean. Cleckheaton were not finished though and within a minute full back Jonathon Marshall, in fine form of late, finished off a glorious passing movement with another try which was unconverted. Three points separated the sides at the break and all was to play for.

The reality was rather different in the 2nd half. Cleckheaton became more vocal and tighter in defence and coupled this with a much more ambitious and expansive approach to attack. Opportunities started to be created in abundance and it was hard working winger Martin Woodhead who grabbed the headlines with 4 tries. Firstly it was young lock Matt Beasty who drove well, captain Paul Turner then continued the forward surge, burst through 2 tacklers and released a deft offload to the willing Woodhead to gallop the remaining 30 yards. Next Cleck executed a training park move moving the ball wide and from side to side, then with the defence in disarray, centre Pete Murphy executed a crossfield kick for the receiving woodhead to superbly touch down under pressure.

The young wingman's hatrick came from some solid forward play where Andy Piper was leading the way, the decisive break came from full back Johnno Marshal, now at outside centre due to loss of Matt Piper with a shoulder injury, he rounded 2 defenders then a one handed off load again found the ever grateful Woodhead who, still with work to do, powered over and improved the angle.

Cleckheaton could have been forgiven for shutting up shop being reduced to 14 men with a second yellow for Paul Turner making it a red for the captain. However saving the best for last, Woodhead rounded off a fine personal display when he seized on a loose ball just on Ponti`s 10 m line, raced away, stood the full back up and then cut inside. Two of these 4 second half tries were converted by Iain Gordon.

Cleckheaton had once more taken the initiative with a whole team effort and great enterprise. Pontefract's sole reply in the second half was an Andy Dean penalty but it was too little too late as the visitors ran out convincing winners.