Cleckheaton 27 - 10 Beverley

Tenacity, persistence, determination - just three words to describe why Cleckheaton look a different outfit to the one which faced a backs-to-the-wall relegation battle and a 17 point gap to catch up with the rest of the league just four weeks ago. Confidence is the key and this team have always appeared a tight knit bunch; the difference now being that they look confident both with and without the ball. Key players are coming to the fore, inspiring their team mates and when under pressure,players are there to support.The turnaround is not a result of an influx of new players,rather an overall improvement of team morale and a tangible sense of direction,instilled by dedicated head coach Dave Harrison and his assistant Pete Murphy.The latter is also having a huge impact on the field where the move to his best position of inside centre has provided the necessary front foot ball for the rampaging back row of Lance Hamilton, Richard Piper and Matt Burrows to continue the momentum.
Back in September the game at Beverley had been a close run thing with the hosts edging the contest by five points.Since then the contrasting fortunes of the two sides has been stark.Beverley have gone on to hit fifth place with a string of impressive results whilst Cleck have failed to close off tight games which has seen them languish in the bottom three for most of the season.
Cleckheaton came out with a visible sense of purpose on a heavy pitch which only 24 hours previously had been underwater.Iain Gordon had the chance to open the scoring for the home side in the 12th minute but his penalty attempt went wide.However,just three minutes later he was given a second chance which he duly converted from 25 metres.Both defences looked strong as each set of forwards fought for precious possession.In the 20th minute Beverley had the chance to level matters but winger Goran Jelencic was short with the penalty chance.Four minutes later and much against the run of play Beverley took the lead when a break down the stand side by dangerous centre Richard Bussey was supported by hooker Alex Forth who showed an impressive turn of pace to score half way out.The conversion from scrum half Mike Kilgannon was successful and the visitors had posted a warning.
Cleck regrouped and once more drove into Beverley territory.A lineout 15 metres out was caught cleanly by the excellent Ryan Piercy.Forward momentum was maintained and the pack drove over the try line with Carl Mason credited with the try.Tremendous cohesion and good body positions had decimated the visitors defence and the psychological edge had been gained.Iain Gordon missed another penalty chance but the home side went into the break with a one point advantage.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Cleck defending tigerishly close to the breakdown and eagerly following kicks into Beverley territory,the back three of Hayden,Ashworth and Massarella being particularly adept at closing down the space for Beverley to attack.In the 50th minute Iain Gordon broke from inside his own half,directed a lovely grubber kick towards touch where Ross Hayden took a perfect bounce in his stride and dived over for an excellent try in the corner.The appreciative crowd were in raptures when Iain Gordon converted from the touchline.Kilgannon reduced the arrears with a penalty in the 55th minute but Cleck now had the bit between their teeth and began to reassert territorial dominance.
In the 64th minute Paul Turner's men emphasised their scrum superiority when from a five metre scrum they drove the Beverley pack backwards and Matt Burrows provided the touchdown behind a jubilant front five.The conversion was missed but the visitors pack knew they were beaten.
The game became frantic as Cleck strove for the much valued 4th and bonus point try and Beverley fought to gain a losing bonus point.In the 75th minute a scrum erupted and from the resulting fracas when several players from outside the immediate vicinity of the play joined in to get warm,Beverley winger Alex Nightingale was sent off.Three minutes later Cleck substitute Owen Edwards was given a yellow card for deliberate off side in the home 22.From the resultant penalty Mike Kilgannon inexplicably missed his kick from in front of the posts.
This was obviously Cleck's day and due reward was gained when in the last minute of the game Joe Massarella gathered the ball inside the Beverley 22 and won the race to the corner.Iain Gordon converted from the touchline and Cleck had gained a morale boosting five points with a display full of character and determination.
This was a wholehearted team display with every player playing a part.Still eight games left and forty points to play for.The season is just starting for this Cleck side and the next two months will show just how far they have come from the pre-christmas days when confidence was at its lowest ebb.Things are looking good and a lot of credit must go to the off field Management who have lifted the players to produce performances more reflective of their ability.
Middlesbrough on Saturday at Acklam Park kick off 3pm.