Cleckheaton 6 - 11 Stockport

Just when you think things could only get better, they don't. Stockport arrived at Moorend as the league's second highest points scorers and were confident of extending their 24 points per match average. On the other hand, the home side were keen to produce the sort of performance which would more truly reflect the all round effort and commitment already shown this season but without the results to back it up. In the end, a last minute try by substitute James Drew and another losing bonus point were the meagre rewards for a battling display.

The error strewn first half is probably best forgotten with only a Matt Bebbington penalty for Stockport troubling the scorers. The two packs were quite evenly matched with Cleckheaton bolstered by the inclusion of Carl Mason in his more accustomed role of prop forward and Lance Hamilton returning to the back row. Stockport were very keen to move possession to their fleet footed back line which was very quick to change the line of attack and create overlaps. As a result the Cleckheaton defensive line had to be on it's mettle and in general stood up well to the task.

Stockport increased their lead to six points in the 49th minute when full back Steve Pearson landed a penalty but seven minutes later Ross Hayden was successful with his third attempt at goal to put Cleck on the board for the first time.

Cleckheaton seemed to grow in confidence and an attack initially started by Ross Hayden was carried on by Tom Clough and taken into Stockport territory. Momentum was continued by the pack but a handling error relieved the pressure on the visitors and possession was lost.
With 7 minutes of normal time to play Ross Hayden levelled matters with a penalty and a shock result was on the cards. Both defences were tight but Cleck had their tails up. As play ebbed into injury time a Cleck touchfinder failed to reach it's target and the ball was run back. Several rucks later substitute James Drew was put through a gap and Stockport celebrated their good fortune.

A very evenly contested match, very well refereed by Jonathan Owen, no yellow cards or red cards to deplete numbers and another salutary lesson for Cleckheaton in how to retain possession to build pressure.

West Hartlepool on Saturday and another chance for that vital win as we reach the Christmas break. Kick off 2-15pm and the coach leaves Moorend at 10am.

The traditional Boxing Day match v Old Brods at Moorend kicks off at the traditional time of 11am.