Cleckheaton 26 – 20 Billingham

Cleckheaton were beset by injuries during this hard fought fixture against Billingham but they came through it victorious to secure a well deserved 5 league points.

The injury crisis started in the 2nd minute for the Moorenders when 19 year old prop, Niall Jackson, had to leave the field with a torn hamstring and was replaced by Grant Turton. Billingham piled on the pressure in the early stages of the game and set up camp in the home side’s 22. A welcome relieving penalty kick was awarded to Cleckheaton almost under their own sticks but it failed to find touch and the visitors converted the unexpected possession into points with a try out wide for Adam Radwan. With only 20 minutes gone, Cleck winger Martin Woodhead had to be replaced after badly spraining his ankle, with flanker Brad Marsden back filling the position. Cleckheaton then had their own period of dominance in Billingham territory and an effective half dozen phases of pick and go from the forwards, with Ryan Piercy getting very close, culminated in a try for Richard Piper. Mike Piper added the extras to give Cleckheaton a 7-5 lead. After 30 minutes Cleckheaton’s bench was fully utilised as James Wilson had to come off with another hamstring injury and Carl Mason joined the pack, pushing Jack Seddon out from flank to centre. Billingham regained the lead through a Pete Evans penalty goal but a minute from half time Cleckheaton were given a penalty themselves to the right of the posts, just outside Billingham’s 22. In a decision reminiscent of the one by Chris Robshaw 3 or 4 weeks ago, Cleck spurned the easy 3 points and went for the corner. Unlike England against Wales, this seemingly rash decision proved very positive as after the initial catch and drive was repelled, quick hands sprayed the ball out to Seddon in the centre who glided past his opposite number for a well taken try. The conversion from Mike Piper gave Cleckheaton a 14-8 lead at the break.

Cleckheaton started the second half the brighter and after Josh Hall had gone close, a nice off load in the tackle from the fullback found Matt Piper charging forward with a momentum that the Teesiders were unable to stop. Mike Piper converted the try again but any thoughts that 13 points would be a comfortable cushion were very soon dispelled. First right winger, Martin Hopley finished off a good handling move by Billingham for an unconverted try and then Joey Evans caught Cleckhetaon napping and scored following a quick tap penalty. The same player converted his own try leaving Cleckheaton with the narrowest of leads at 21-20. Cleckheaton slowly built pressure again and were rewarded with a lineout close to Billingham’s line. Richard Piper directed the catch and drive to the whitewash scoring his second try and Cleck’s fourth, which claimed a bonus point for the Moorenders. The conversion drifted wide and there was just six points in it. With just over 5 minutes to go Billingham besieged Cleckheaton’s line, never getting out of the home side’s 22 for the remainder of the game. Despite sending wave after wave of attack into Cleck’s defensive wall, with a monumental effort it remained intact and the referee blew time, leaving Cleckheaton with a hard fought 26-20 victory.

An very committed defensive performance at the end of the game ensured Cleckheaton got maximum points from this fixture. The win will give the team renewed confidence as they make the short trip to Ilkley next weekend, however they may count the cost of the 3 injuries that were picked up in the match, with the trio unlikely to take part in the next game. One small consolation is that there are no games the following week due to the Rugby World Cup final so the players will benefit from extra recovery time.

The Kestrels also posted a win over the weekend as they claimed a 26-7 victory away at West Park Leeds.