Cleckheaton ran in eights tries in the end against league strugglers Stockport, but the Greater Manchester side didn't go down without resistance and tested Cleckheaton particularly in the first half.

Cameron Burnhill put the Moorenders into an early lead when good footwork took the full back past a would-be defender and he raced 35m to the line. A well worked move in the backs brought Cleckheaton further points, when a deceptive pass from Ronan Evans put Burnhil, through a gap and he fed Lee Queeley for an excellent try. Cleckheaton led 10-0 after as many minutes but were then plagued by a spell of indiscipline and a series of technical offences put Stockport within penalty goal range. Scott Redfearn had the kicking duties for the visitors and put his team on the board. Soon after the restart the same player intercepted a loose pass from Cleckheaton and raced 40m to the sticks. His successful conversion put Stockport level at 10-10 and suddenly the game was well and truly on again. Without further score the referee blew the half time whistle and Cleckheaton were left to contemplate how they could improve the score line in the second period.

At the change of ends Cleck knew they would have to up the tempo and reduce the penalty count and started the second period in that manner. A spilled pass from Stockport was collected by Ronan Evans, who fed Josh Hall for a try in the corner. Evans converted. Richard Piper then controlled the ball at the base of the scrum and dribbled it over for Cleckheaton's fourth try and the Moorenders were now firmly back in control. Jack Seddon went in for two tries for Cleck either side of one from Danny Vento, who also had a fine game on his first appearance for many matches due to work commitments. Martin Woodhead scored Cleckheaton's 8th and final try of the afternoon when he weaved through a tired defence and Ronan Evans brought the 50 points up with a difficult conversion. Stockport didn't give up though and were rewarded for their efforts with a last minute consolation try for McFadden.

This was a game Cleckheaton needed and expected to win as Stockport look to rebuild for next season. However with the scores level at half time it may have seemed like a shock could be on the cards but the team settled down and played some good and assured rugby and the scores flowed in. Next week Cleck travel the short distance to Morley for a crucial game that, if Cleckheaton win, will lift them 16 points clear of the bottom three going into the new year. Morley have strengthened recently and Cleckheaton will need to be on their mettle for the whole 80 minutes in what Morley view as a must win game for them, if they are to lift themselves out of the relegation positions.

The 4th team will get the weekend under way when they play Morley 3rds on Friday night under floodlights at Moorend. The kick off is 7:30pm and it's free entry for anyone that wants to come down and watch.

This year’s traditional Boxing Day derby against Old Brodleians will take place away over at Hipperholme on Monday 26th with an 11am start. This is always a good game and Cleckheaton's club house is always packed full of festive merriment after players and spectators have made the short trip home.