Cleckheaton 29 – 10 Sheffield

Cleckheaton fielded a youthful looking team, including the five players that are part of this season’s Yorkshire U20’s squad, for this county cup-tie against an equally young looking Sheffield side. Only five of the team that claimed victory over Burnage the previous week started the match. A further five took places on the bench, whilst eight players carrying knocks and niggles were given a week’s rest. This gave a great opportunity for head coach, Ian Armitage, to have a look at a number of Kestrels players who are either on the fringe of the first team or have the potential to be first-team players in seasons to come and debuts were handed to 18 year olds, Niall Jackson, Luke Pearson, Brad Marsden and Jake Jagger.

Sheffield, who currently sit atop North East One after a resurgent season, got an early score when a kick was charged down and winger Alistair Womack won the race for the try. Cleckheaton’s game seemed slightly disjointed in the first quarter of the match and only an unforced fumble prevented Sheffield going in again. However the South Yorkshire men’s prospects were dampened on the 20 minute mark when their No. 8 was sent to the sin bin and Cleckheaton pressed their numeric advantage when Man of the Match, Josh White, picked from the back of the scrum to create space on the blindside for James Wilson, who shimmied his way through a couple of defenders for a try. Jarrad Toulson added the conversion.

Cleckheaton increased their lead in fortunate circumstances when 17 year old Sam Wood finished off a break, which netted Cleckheaton a try that the visitors would contest was never properly grounded. The conversion was missed and Cleckheaton went into the break with a 12-5 lead.

The Moorenders went further ahead at the start of the second half when Wood noticed acres of space on the right flank and put the ball there with a long kick. Winger Jake Jagger, surprised the covering defender with his pace, causing the ball to be spilled, allowing the speedster to gather for Cleckheaton’s third try. Toulson added the extras from the touchline. Injuries to two of Sheffield’s front row meant the game had to descend to uncontested scrums after an hour and this led to immediate success for the visitors who went in for a try close to the sticks. The conversion was missed but the Abbeydale side were not out of it at 19-10.

At this point Cleckheaton made a number of changes with Callum Thompson, Paul Turner, Alex Dawson, James Crowther, Lewis Beasty and George Speight taking the field for Niall Jackson, Chris Piper, Brad Marsden, Ben Thrower, Gareth Lamb and Jake Jagger, who had all acquitted themselves well. Cleckheaton piled the pressure on Sheffield’s line and sealed their progress into the Quarter Finals when Martin Woodhead went in for a try. Callum Thompson put the icing on the cake in the final minute with a strong drive which claimed Cleckheaton's 5th try.

Cleckheaton will face Bradford & Bingley away at Wagon Lane in the Quarter Final on 20th December. Meanwhile, thoughts turn to Saturday’s trip to Sheffield Tigers, with good performances from Grant Turton and Jack Seddon as well as all those listed above and with Danny Vento in the fold once again, some difficult selection decisions are required to narrow the 25 or more ‘capables’ into the 18 that are permitted to be named in the team. A selection headache which many clubs would be very envious of.