Cleckheaton arrived at Castle Park to renew rivalries with Doncaster Phoenix and came away with a narrow victory in an entertaining game.
Both teams had suffered defeats last time out and were looking to get back to winning ways. Cleckheaton had James Wilson starting at openside as Joe Flanagan failed a fitness test, Ben Thrower was unavailable but Niall Jackson returned at Loose Head. Chris Piper, Bailey Smith and Braden Hunter on debut filled the bench.
Cleckheaton kicked off and Phoenix attacked down the left, a clearance by Dom Flanagan was sliced and it left him limping for the rest of the half. Richard Piper picked up from the base of the scrum and the ball ended up with Dale Breakwell who deposited a 50/22 into touch to put Cleckheaton on the attack. Mike Hayward put a chip ahead over the Phoenix line and they conceded the goal line drop out. Phoenix then won 2 quick penalties but solid defence by the visitors kept the home side off the board. A 3rd penalty in front of the clubhouse resulted in an easy 3 points for full back McCool 3-0 after 12 minutes.
Another penalty was conceded which brought about a warning for Cleckheaton for persistent offences. Some ferocious defence thwarted Phoenix and an impressive counter ruck gave Depledge a chance to clear but his kick failed to reach touch and a swift counter attack down the left saw Phoenix scrum half Drennan cross for the try , improved by McCool, 10-0 on 19 minutes.
Cleckheaton got on the board after winning a penalty in midfield, Marsden won the lineout on the right and the ball was swiftly away to the left wing where Marshall created an overlap for Hayward to score his 3rd try of the season, conversion missed 10-5 after 25 mins.
On 30 minutes, Phoenix threatened but the Referee Mr Penfold adjudged some interference and a scrum was awarded to Cleckheaton. More solid defence from the visitors saw Phoenix held up over the line. The resulting drop out saw Cleckheaton back to half way but a superb 50/22 pegged the visitors back . From the line out, second row Wilson got over the line for the try, McCool converted on 38 minutes 15-5 and Phoenix were good value for the lead at half time.
Dom Flanagan was replaced at half time , Bailey Smith slotted in at full back with Marshall moving to the wing.
Cleckheaton won a penalty and Breakwell kicked into the 22, Prop Liam Cooling was dispatched to the naughty step and Cleckheaton took advantage after a couple of drives and captain Richard Piper who had an excellent game in both attack and defence forced his way over the line, Breakwell converted , 15-12.
From the restart , Phoenix put the ball into touch on the full, the scrum rumbled forward and with penalty advantage, good hands from the backs saw Hainsworth feed Marshall for his 4th try of the season, Breakwell adding the extras and Cleckheaton had a narrow lead 15-19.
The visitors attacked again , the pack destroyed the Phoenix scrum but a stray boot put and end to the chance.
Phoenix attacked down the left, skipper Sam Bottomley made a great break but took the wrong option with support at his shoulder and coughed up possession and Cleckheaton cleared to halfway. Phoenix won a line out and when the ball was recycled, Richard Piper was pulled out for a high shot and spent the next 10 minutes in the sinbin. McCool kicked the penalty to make it a 1 point game with Cleckheaton down to 14 men on 60 minutes.
Cleckheaton kicked long downfield and with no options as the pressure was applied , a goal line drop out was conceded, Phoenix tried to take a short drop out but the Referee decided there were players in front of the kicker. From the scrum, Cleckheaton attacked but the ball came to Breakwell who dropped a smart 30 metre goal 18-22. Phoenix set up a counter attack kicking downfield , the ball reached Thiu Barnard with an open field ahead but he showed the perfect example of why second row forwards don't kick the ball by depositing the ball into row F of the stand!
Brambani and Hainsworth combined and set Hayward free but he was deemed to have not released in the tackle.
Back at full strength with a 4 point lead , Cleckheaton looked to close out the game but were turned over and with a couple of minutes to play . Phoenix applied a lot of pressure but the Cleckheaton defence was solid and when Phoenix knocked on Cleckheaton put 4 or 5 solid drives in up to halfway before the ball was cleared to touch for an important win.
Next week, Cleckheaton are back at Moorend for a visit from Driffield who were beaten today at home by Billingham, kick off is at 3.00pm.