Cleckheaton's first game of 2014 took place against a spirited Driffield side on crepuscular afternoon at Moorend. With the inevitable excesses over the Christmas period, Cleckheaton could not be complacent against opposition who showed their caliber by easing into a 19-0 lead during the 1st half of the reverse fixture last September.
Cleckheaton opened the scoring on the back of a penalty which Driffield conceded well into their half. The kick to the corner was followed by Cleckheaton's potent catch and drive but Driffield had clearly anticipated this and successfully repelled Clck's first wave of attack. The stay of execution was brief though, as Cleckheaton immediately won another line out and this time prolific try scorer, Rich Piper, added to his tally when he successfully directed the pack across the whitewash, Ross Hayden added the conversion from the touchline.
The home side nearly went further ahead when Matt Piper and Ross Hayden combined to split the visitors' defence but the last pass to James Wilson could not be gathered in. Cleckheaton retained the territorial advantage though and after sustained pressure within the Driffield 22, a 5-man line out close to the line resulted in Rich Piper getting his 2nd, after additional drive was supplied by Rob Afoa Peterson hitting the maul at pace.
Piper completed his hat-trick just past the half hour mark when another rolling maul was too strong for Driffield to contain. Hayden converted to give the Moorenders a 19-0 lead.
With the game seemingly progressing towards a victory, a rare defensive lapse by Cleckheaton allowed the visitors a free run through their Centres. Whilst Driffield’s progress was halted before the line, the momentum they gathered was converted into points when fullback Furbank, went over under the sticks. The conversion by Lucas on the stroke of half time gave Driffield a ray of hope, with Cleckheaton just 12 in front at 19-7.
Driffield tried to carry their new found momentum into the opening minutes of the 2nd period but Cleck withstood the onslaught and gradually went on the attack themselves. When further points for the home side looked likely, the ball was intercepted and Driffield’s left winger raced away down field. Martin Woodhead gave chase and completed the tackle but Cleckheaton were now scrambling to get on side and Andy Piper was deemed to have held up play unlawfully, resulting in a yellow card. Cleckheaton infringed a second time following the resulting penalty and the referee decided to award a penalty try which was converted by Lucas.
With the lead reduced to 19-14 and Cleckheaton reduced to 14 men, the home support started to feel nervous. However, Driffield were also reduced to 14 following a yellow card for one of their forwards. The anxiety dissolved all together when a powerful run from Matt Piper and little pop pass to Grant Turton, allowed the lock forward to go over in the corner. Hayden converted from the touchline once again to add icing to the try-scoring bonus point.
Cleckheaton’s last try of the afternoon came on the back of resolute defence in the middle of the park. Driffield spilled the ball and Michael Piper reacted first, hacking the ball up field. Wilson and Hayden gave chase but it was the latter who grubbered on again and collected the ball to score under sticks with an ebullient dive. The conversion made the score 33-14 to Cleckheaton with about 10 minutes left to play.
Shortly after the restart a ruck on Driffield’s right wing was won by the visitors and the ball cleared up field. It quickly became apparent that Falkingham, one of Driffields forwards, had a significant injury. Medical attention was immediately required and the game was halted. Jim Lee, Cleckheaton’s club doctor was on hand and after a quick assessment called for an ambulance. We were pleased to hear the player, who suffered a deep concussion, was released from hospital that same evening after getting the all clear from Pinderfields. With the light fading and floodlights already on, the referee called both captains together and they mutually agreed to end the game early with the match result and any bonus points already effectively determined.

This was a solid performance by Cleckheaton following the Christmas break and they will look to back this up next week when Sheffield are our visitors to Moorend.