Sheffield Tigers 42 - 10 Cleckheaton

Time was finally called on Saturday on one of the most frustrating and disappointing seasons of the last decade. Because of the inevitable RFU tinkering, Cleck remain a North One side for next season or National Three North to give it its new title, but in reality a record of ten successive league defeats and no victory in 2009 makes grim reading.

Paradoxically, although the scoreline suggests otherwise this was a better performance by Cleckheaton and with more than a fair share of possession it was only the season long malaise of poor first up tackling which 'gifted' Tigers their six tries.

Central to this improvement was the creativity of fly half David Evans who gave 100% commitment to the cause. Subsequently Olly Depledge had probably his best game in a first team shirt and Matt Piper and Tom Lauriston both showed determination to improve matters.

In the forwards the set piece play was much improved but a lack of pace in support of the ball carrier meant that the pack were unable to build pressure through building a series of phases. In rugby league speak it was all 'one out football'. This has been a season long problem with good approach play infrequently leading to scores because of turnovers, penalties or a lack of confident decision making.

A 28-3 scoreline at half time hardly reflected the territory enjoyed by the visitors but four converted tries for Tigers by wingers Lee and Morley and a brace for the evergreen Dave Scully against a David Evans drop goal and two inevitable yellow cards for Cleck, showed the difference in application of the two sides.

Two further converted tries from sub Bowman and a second for Morley was countered by a try for Ben Wade following an excellent pack scrum surge, converted by David Evans.
Much reflection and no doubt a number of changes in both approach and personnel will dominate an inevitably busy closed season. Hopefully spirit will return and the whole club can look forward with optimism.