Cleckheaton met Wetherby for the first time at 1st XV at a rain drenched Moorend and produced a second half comeback to record a first win since November 2025. Cleckheaton welcomed Niall Jackson back after missing the last 2 matches , Andy Piper started on the other side of the scrum and Joe Flanagan made a long awaited return at flanker. In the backs, Tom Breakwell started at 9 with Karl Frankland at 15. Jacob Sowden, Stan Piper and Veron Dhesi kept the bench warm.
Wetherby kicked off in driving rain and it was always going to be difficult for either side to keep hold of the ball. The early exchanges were fairly even, Cleckheaton seemed to have the edge in the scrums but the line out was a bit of a lottery and there were many handling errors. On 14 minutes , the Wetherby prop Woodworth burst through the defensive line and made almost 50 metres before losing the ball in a cover tackle by centre Woolett, however the referee deemed the tackle to be high and denied Wetherby a try scoring opportunity and awarded a Penalty Try and dispatched Woolett to the naughty step for 10 minutes, 0-7. Cleckheaton were clearly rattled by this and conceded a number of penalties and after Wetherby had kicked to touch and win the lineout, the pack drove over for a second try which was unconverted 0-12 on 20 minutes. Wetherby seemed to be content with their lead and kicked a lot of possession away downfield which was dealt with without too much trouble. Cleckheaton started to assert themselves when back to full strength, Flanagan and Pearson had a storming 1st half with excellent contributions from Vernon and the front row who worked very hard in the testing conditions. In stoppage time , Wetherby had a player sin binned for persistent infringements and Dale Breakwell slotted a simple goal to make the score 3-12 at the break.
The rain didn’t ease off and Cleckheaton settled into the game and had the better possession. Woolett made a terrific break down the middle of the field , he was supported by Flanagan but his return pass went to ground and the chance was lost. On 48 minutes , a poor pass from Tom Breakwell avoided everyone and eventually found the hands of Jack Marshall who came inside and skipped through several would be tacklers to score at the side of the posts, Dale Breakwell adding the conversion 10-12. The testing conditions were trying everyone’s patience, the handling errors were mounting and in an attempt to get into the lead Dale Breakwell failed with a drop goal attempt on the hour. On 72 minutes, Wetherby conceded a penalty 35 metres out and wide on Cleckheaton’s left, up stepped the reliable Dale Breakwell to score the goal to give the home side the lead 13-12 . The remaining time was spent in midfield and there were no clear cut chances, it was time for Cleckheaton to celebrate their first win since November 2025. Next week , Cleckheaton are away at Bradford Salem kick off to be confirmed.