A poor first half performance by Cleckheaton, coupled with some basic errors left Ilkley with a bonus point win and the Moorenders still searching for their first victory away from home this season.

Cleckheaton’s woes started when they were awarded a penalty kick but failed to reach touch and Ilkley’s kick return was fumbled. The ball was eventually gathered and booted over the side line but unfortunately it had been taken back into the 22, which meant the line out would take place from where the ball was kicked rather than where it landed. The cheap territorial advantage that Ilkley gained proved costly when their catch and drive wasn’t adequately dealt with and No.8, McKenzie, went in for a try. Kimber converted to give Ilkley a 7-0 lead. Within a few seconds of the re-start Cleckheaton were found guilty of collapsing a scrum and Kimber stretched the score further with a penalty goal from the half way line.

The visitors had a ray of hope with their first incursion into Ilkley’s 22. A line out throw was missed by the home side and Jack Seddon was the first to react, claiming the ball and setting up good position. A swift pass from Jack Bickerdike found Richard Piper lurking on the wing and he forced his way over for Cleckheaton’s first try. The conversion attempt fell short of the sticks. The 10-5 score line was not static for long as Ilkley extended their lead when Morgan broke down the Moorenders’ left flank for a try in the corner. Kimber once again obliged with the extras and at half time Ilkley led 17-5.

Cleckheaton tried to gain ground in the second half but were hampered by the sin-binning of Richard Piper 10 minutes in. Whilst the skipper was side-lined, Ilkley went in for the third time when their open side flanker dived over for another converted try. Cleckheaton’s kicking game was off target and Ilkley were gifted possession and territory a number of times. With defences strained from the additional work that comes with lack of ball, Ilkley’s centre ghosted through Cleck’s midfield for their bonus point try, which Kimber once again converted to maintain his 100% record.

The result was all but gone with Cleckheaton facing a 31-5 deficit and only 15 minutes left on the clock but at this point the side started to play some flowing rugby for the first time in the match and showed what might have been. First Richard Piper sprinted in for his second try after Ilkley’s defenders were put on the back foot by some swift and forceful play. This was soon followed by another Cleck try when Jack Bickerdike scooted over from the back of a ruck with Ilkley’s defence caught flat footed. One of the tries was converted and Cleckheaton now trailed 31-17. One more converted try would see the Moorenders pick up two unlikely bonus points but it was not to be as more errors summed up the afternoon for the men from the Spen Valley.

There are no league games this weekend due to the Rugby World Cup final, though Cleckheaton’s 4th team will entertain Old Crossleyans at Moorend in a friendly with a 1:30pm kick off. The two week break will give the 1st XV time to regroup and welcome some players back from injury before they face Sheffield and Stockport at home in their next two games.