Cleckheaton 10 - 14 Chester

With both sides being inactive since December 12th, it was going to be interesting to see if the lay off had changed either side's fortunes. Back in October Chester had gained an undeserved 16-12 victory with a last minute converted try. Whereas they had gone on to secure a challenging third place at the enforced winter break, Cleckheaton had continued to underperform with a series of losing bonus points but only 2 victories.

Tom Lauriston returned for his first game since September and Geoff Jones made a welcome second appearance of the season. With a 10 point deficit from safety to start the new year it was not surprising that the home side started the match with real purpose and direction. Inside 3 minutes Dom Castle made a telling break from loose play 30 yards out and gave a good pass to Pete Murphy who drove over from 15 yards taking 2 defenders with him. Ross Hayden converted and Cleck had made the dream start.

Chester have backs with pace and the Cleckheaton defence had to be on its toes to prevent them breaking the line.On the quarter hour mark, Tom Lauriston made good ground but was penalised for holding onto the ball. The resultant penalty was converted by Chester fly half Rhys Hayes. The visitors were looking to counter attack at every opportunity and unfortunately Cleck were giving them the chances they wanted by poor kicking in open play. In the 24th minute Ryan Piercy won a defensive line on the home 22 but the resultant maul was overturned and back row Andy Moore, probably Chester's best player, went over for a try which was unconverted.

Ross Hayden missed a penalty chance on the half hour mark and 8 minutes later Cleck were reduced to 14 men when Lance Hamilton was sin binned for slowing down the ball at a ruck. The resultant penalty was successful from Rhys Hayes.

On the stroke of half time Ross Hayden reduced the arrears to just one point with a penalty and Cleck were very much in a game which was competitive and lively despite the 6 week lay off for both sides.

3 minutes after the break Cleck conceded one of many scrum offences awarded throughout the match and Rhys Hayes duly responded with his 3rd successful penalty of the afternoon. This was just what the home side didn't want but 5 minutes later Ross Hayden replied with his second penalty success.

Despite 3 more yellow cards,2-1 to Chester and a missed penalty by Hayden, there were no more scores despite a big effort to get over the line in the last minute when Joe Massarella kicked deep, chased and regained possession only for the scrambling defence to hold out.

Chester held on and Cleck had once more just failed to turn a competitive performance into a much needed win. The push for victories goes on. Matt Piper had a solid game at centre and Geoff Jones,Matt Burrows and Lance Hamilton did good work in the pack. Next up 3 successive away games and the next 2 against the teams below in the league rankings. No need to stress the importance of the next few weeks.