Cleckheaton 14 - 24 Scunthorpe

The Kestrel’s put in another encouraging performance last Saturday but once again found themselves unable to overturn a half-time deficit.

Due to a number of factors, 5 players from the previous week’s game were unavailable for selection and a sixth, Andy Piper, got a late call to 1st team duty. The squad was bolstered however by the introduction of Nathan Clayton, Michael Piper, James Sargeant, Danny Ashton and new player Joe Massarella. The latter, normally a wing or fullback, taking up the scrum half jersey.

The game started with Cleck on the defensive following Scunthorpe’s kick-off. The big pack fielded by the men in green pressured Cleck up the middle. The Kestrels defended well but conceded a penalty under the sticks putting them 3 points in arrears inside the 10 minute mark. More pressure from Scunthorpe was punctuated by a nice back line break by Michael Piper and Gareth Lamb. The final pass however went astray and the attack came to nothing. Scunthorpe’s response led to more infringements by Cleck and 3 more points were added to the visitors tally thanks to a further penalty goal. The ‘Greenies’ made it 3 out of 3 with the boot, as another penalty was converted on the half hour mark making it 9 – 0 and they topped off the half with a try in the corner just before the break. The kick was missed and Cleck ended a half, in which they had retained little possession of the ball, 14 – 0 down.

The second period started with renewed commitment. Inside 5 minutes of the re-start Connor Davis showed his formidable pace, out sprinting Scunthorpe’s defence, to pounce on a ball that had been kicked through from the half-way line. The conversion was added by James Wilson, bringing the Kestrels back in contention at 14 – 7. Cleck looked more confident at this point and were starting to control possession much better. However, a defensive slip up in the middle of the park allowed Scunthorpe a relatively easy try and the conversion restored their 14 point advantage. The score was extended by the visitors on the 60 minute mark with a drop goal, making it 24 – 7.

Cleckheaton never gave up hope in the last quarter of the game and pressed Scunthorpe all the way. This was despite prop Chris Piper, having to leave the field for a trip to casualty (torn shoulder ligament). The Kestrel’s effort was rewarded when the visitors failed to make touch with a kick from close to their own goal line. Winger, Tom Clapham, gathered the ball and tip-toed down the touch line for a nicely finished try. Wilson converted to bring the scores to 24 – 14. The scoreboard was not troubled any further in the remaining 15 minutes, despite some pressure from both sides.

Debutant Joe Massarella had a great opening game and was deservedly awarded ‘Man of the Match’. It was also good to see Danny Ashton on the field for the first time this season. The Kestrel’s are a relatively young side, still learning their craft but getting stronger every week. As the season progresses a winning run is surely not far way.