Cleckheaton 6 - 6 Birkenhead Park

The Cleckheaton 'mudlarks' are starting to relish the mid winter conditions that have characterised the last two games and in playing for seventy minutes last Saturday with only fourteen men showed the sort of trench mentality needed for a better second half of the season. Not only has the team shown great character and sense of purpose but the players efforts have put a genuine smile on the faces of everyone at Moorend.

An unchanged line-up for the first time this season following the Morley victory augured well for a repeat performance, with conditions almost identical without the driving rain. Ross Hayden was given first chance to put points on the board but his penalty attempt went wide. As the pitch degenerated into the expected mudbath so the two teams began to show a commendable hunger for the battle. Tempers frayed, punches were thrown and even the two benches were more animated than usual. This was going to be a proper battle. The third fracas in five minutes gave the referee little option but to act. Unfortunately the action was against Cleckheaton back row man Ben Wade who had simply defended himself against an onslaught from a couple of Park forwards. After only eleven minutes of play Wade was given a red card for the first time in an illustrious career and Cleck were up against it. To be fair the teams had been warned and Wade was the unfortunate one to be picked out. The action had the desired result and no further fighting was evident for the rest of the match.

In the 24th minute Ross Hayden put Cleckheaton ahead with a well struck penalty and five minutes later they had another chance to extend the lead but Dom Brambani's effort from long range fell short. Park were providing stern opposition with their driving play but the home defence took everything that was thrown at them. Park full back Dave Hall had a chance to level matters on the stroke of half time but his penalty attempt went wide, as did Ross Hayden's effort in injury time.

The early stages of the second half were marked by increased Park pressure. Stubborn home defence kept out wave after wave of attacks but Dave Hall's second penalty attempt of the half, in the 48th minute levelled the scores at 3-3. Cleck managed to exert their own pressure whilst Park's winger Hancock was in the sin bin for preventing release of the ball. In the 62nd minute Hall put the visitors ahead for the first time with his second successful kick but Dominic Brambani levelled matters when his 45 metre penalty effort sailed between the uprights on 72 minutes.

Both Hayden and Sovatabua were now sidelined with injuries and their replacements Ed Chappellow and Thinus Venter continued where their teammates left off, fighting for every ball and giving 100% effort.

Two late penalties, one for each side were both missed and the draw just about reflected the efforts of two hardworking sides. One point from this game was just reward for a depleted but fully motivated Cleckheaton side. Park on the other hand, were left to reflect on a lost chance of victory against fourteen men for almost 70 minutes.

Cleckheaton have now shown that they can compete and beat the best sides in North One and the new year brings every chance to continue the three match unbeaten run when Beverley provide the opposition at Beaver Park on January 10th. Beverley are a different proposition on their own patch and Cleck will have to be at their beligerent best to gain the rewards.

Man of the match for his endless tackling and total commitment was Lance Hamilton one of several who are now playing their best rugby of the season.