Huddersfield 0 - 33 Cleckheaton Kestrels

The Kestrels visited Lockwood park last Saturday to play Huddersfield 3rds and continued their 100% away record, now making it 7 out of 7 for the season.

The game got off to a notable start when Cleck failed to kick the ball the full 10 metres and it disappointingly bobbled into touch. Frowns were only fleeting though as Club Secretary Ian Johnson, who had come to watch the Kestrels in the absence of a 1st XV fixture, hastily gathered the ball to kick it back into the field of play. In his enthusiasm his foot slipped and he pirouetted in the air before landing flat on his back on the soggy ground. Fortuately Ian was unharmed and his early bid for the Kestrels’ weekly Purple Patch Award was duly noted.

After the restart the Kestrels soon put the first points on the board following good work from the forwards. Chris Piper and Ben Thrower were prominent in driving the ball upfield before Nathan Clayton dived over for the opening try on the 5 minute mark.

Cleck continued to press and whenever the home side gained possession they were forced to kick deep, giving Craig Blackburn the chance to attack from full back. From one such break Adam Stanley was put in the clear with the line beckoning but play was pulled back for a forward pass. Cleck kept up the pressure and when Matt Beasty turned over Huddersfield’s line out just outside the homeside’s 22, the ball was recycled to the other side of the field where Danny Furniss was driven over. Jarrad Toulson added the extras to bring the score to 12-0.

Cleckheaton’s next score also came from another good catch and drive at the line out where Cleck were gaining valuable possession with Nick Holland and Matt Beasty now in control. The beneficiary was Daz Terry who scored in the corner and Toulson added the conversion. Huddersfield then had a spell of possession but the back row of Luke Bashford, James Sergeant and Clayton continually broke up any cohesion the home side had and the half ended without further score and the Kestrels 19 - 0 in front.

The 2nd period saw Huddersfield try and play the ball out wide but their impact was limited due to some fine defensive work by the backs, with Gareth Lamb looking particularly solid. Hudds had their best chance to score when their speedy winger took an interception in his own 22 and looked destined to go the distance but Aiden Bullen had not given up the ghost and chased him down to prevent the try. Unfortunately the referee deemed that placing hands on the man’s shoulders and dragging him down is illegal and sent Bullen to the sin bin.

The introduction of Martin Woodhead brought an injection of pace as he made several good breaks with some illusive running. This also seemed to spur Cleck on and after a scrum 15 metres out Scrum Half Matt Piper picked up, threw an outrageous dummy and drove his way over the line, Toulson improved the score.

The Kestrel’s final try came when more sustained pressure led to a penalty and a kick tap by Matt Piper allowed Lamb to find Bullen running at pace for a try under the sticks. Toulson converted again to bring the final score to 33-0.

Another good performance away from home and credit to Huddesfield who never gave up despite the score line. Aiden Bullen was declared the winner of the Purple Patch Award for his refusal to give up the chase following Huddersfield’s interception. Next week the Kestrel’s make the short trip to Old Crossleyans where they hope to continue their run of form.