Old Crossleyans 29 - 13 Cleckheaton

A young 2nd team, with a starting line-up featuring only 2 players above the age of 22, traveled to Broomfield Avenue for Saturday’s fixture against Old Crossleyans. The key points from the dressing room before the game, were to perform well and to show commitment throughout. Although the Kestrels ended up losing this match against a much more experienced side, the outcome for the team felt positive as those basic aims were met.

Crossleyans pressured Cleckheaton from the kick-off. The referee, brand new whistle in mouth, giving the home team two or three early opportunities to promote the ball up the field. The Kestrels had to defend manfully for the opening quarter as Crocs camped in the danger zone, sending in wave after wave of attacking forward runners. Cleckheaton’s line held firm for a long period with back rowers Danny Graham and Matt Beasty soaking up everything on the fringes and front five of Andy and Chris Piper, Bob Depledge, Matt Wood and Luke Haigh presenting a brick wall to any drives from the back of the ruck. Central defence was also excellent, with key tackles coming from James Wilson, Gareth Lamb and Luke Bashforth. Despite this outstanding effort, Crocs eventually did get over the line for a converted try on the 20 minute mark.

The 7 point lead soon turned to 12 as Old Crossleyans’ blindside flanker pounced on a ball which shot out of Cleck’s scrum and dived over unopposed for the softest of tries. James Wilson responded with a drop goal 5 minutes later, to put Cleck’s first points on the board at 12 – 3. The Moorenders would have settled for that score line at half time but Crocs were allowed in for another soft try close to the whistle and gained, what would turn out to be, an unassailable advantage.

19 – 3 at the break and Cleck had to be the first to strike in the 2nd half if they were to stay in the game. They started the 2nd forty with renewed vigour and the forwards rampaged the ball down field at every opportunity. From a scrum about 40 metres out, No 8 Simon Quinn picked up and made 25 metres down the blindside before feeding Robin Bennett. Bennett carried the ball, and for the last 5 metres the Crocs’ fullback, over the line for a try. Wilson added the extras to bring the score to 19 – 10.

A penalty kick 5 minutes later, following continued Cleck pressure, narrowed the scores to 19 - 13 and the Kestrels were right back in it. One converted try, going into the last 20 minutes of the game, would have put Cleck in the lead for the first time in the match. Alas this was not to be and despite running close it was eventually Old Crossleyans who broke the dead lock with an unconverted try. 5 minutes later Crocs crossed again, to bring the score to 29 – 13 and a tired looking Cleckheaton were unable to mount a further response.

The Kestrels can reflect on a performance full of commitment but with areas to work on including; better control of possession and playing with patience. The more these players train and play together, the better these aspects of play will become and the Kestrels will have a successful year.