The Kestrels had a coach booked for what is one of this year’s longest away trips of the season, up to Settle to face North Ribblesdale. An evening of team building was planned for after the game and these events are all ways more productive following a good win. The Kestrels didn’t disappoint and put their opponents away with 6 quality tries.

Carl Mason was the first to score following good work from Tom Clapham and Aiden Bullen, which resulted in a maul close the Ribb line. As the forwards drove on, Mason saw an opportunity to spin off the back and dive through 3 tacklers to score. Toulson added the extras.

Ben Thrower added to his try from last week, with two in 8 minutes in this game. The first was scored on the half hour mark after Toulson had stepped his way through the defensive line and Luke Haigh had picked and driven the ball into the opposition Forwards, allowing Thrower to wrestle his way to the line. The second try followed soon afterwards when Nathan Clayton made a break, found centre Bullen in support, who in turn passed to Adam Stanley to take play close to the homeside’s line. Thrower gathered at the back of the ruck and fought his way over in the corner. Only one of these two tries was converted but Cleckheaton had a healthy 19-0 advantage.

As Cleckheaton wondered if there would be time for the restart, North Ribb kicked off and were met by a barage of willing Cleck runners, Simon Quinn and Danny Graham to the fore. Play eventually found Toulson who put in a long range kick, bouncing the ball into touch near the opposition 22. The resulting line-out was turned over by Matt Beasty and with only seconds on the clock, Mason dived in for his 2nd of the afternoon. The half time whistle sounded and the Kestrels changed ends 24-0 to the good.

North Ribb started the second period in a much more determined fashion and placed pressure on Cleckheaton for the open ten minutes of play. Whilst the Kestrels’ defence was largely excellent all afternoon, Ribb did get over at this point for their only score of the game.

The Kestrels brought on some fresh legs, resting Adam Stanley, Nick Holland, Ben Thrower and Carl Mason to allow Connor Davis, Ricky Motlib, Robin Bennett and Neil Gillan to take the field. It did not take long for the winning margin to be restored when a pass out of the back of his hand by Bennett found Toulson, who in turn put Bullen into space for another converted try. The last try of the day was scored by Gareth Lamb after a forward drive from a tap penalty and fast hands from Mark Fletcher put the inside centre away. Toulson added the extras to bring the final score to 38-5.

A solid performance from the Kestrels and another bonus point win, as they continue their encouraging league campaign. Mark Fletcher won the Purple Patch Moment of the Match Award and looked decidedly comfortable in his outfit and the team had a very enjoyable evening in North Yorkshire.