Middlesborough 10 - 17 Cleckheaton

This match can hardly be described as a classic but in slippery and cold conditions both sides tried to entertain. In the end Cleckheaton deserved the victory because they made fewer errors than the home side and were dominant in the lineout, where Oliver Akroyd was once more very conspicuous. With a full analysis of the play Cleckheaton can be well pleased with their efforts and will be confident that with a bit of luck with injuries, they can continue to climb the table. Boro opened the scoring when full back Jack Bircham kicked a penalty from twenty metres. Both sides were guilty of basic handling errors and it was no surprise that with only ten minutes gone the opposing packs decided to warm their hands in a short bout of Teeside wrestling. The resultant yellow card for Cleckheaton prop Paul Turner calmed things down. The error strewn half continued with only good tactical kicking from Cleckheaton's Iain Gordon and the visitors almost total dominance of the lineouts, raising the game above the mediocre.

The first period of consistent pressure in the second half resulted in Cleckheaton lock Danny Nolan driving his big frame through the Boro defence for a try which was converted by Iain Gordon. The hosts came back strongly and scrum half Peter Whittaker darted over for his side's first try converted by Simon Moore. Iain Gordon levelled matters with a penalty and as the game entered the last quarter the Cleckheaton pack once more raised their intensity. The Boro defence initially held the powerful driving play of the visitors' eight but inevitably the prolific try scoring machine, Richard Piper, latched onto a terrific rolling maul to score a try which was expertly converted by Gordon. Despite big efforts from the battling Boro side Cleckheaton held out and were good value for the confidence boosting victory, as they look forward to a series of matches against lower ranking opponents in the coming weeks, interspersed with a Yorkshire Cup tie against National Three North undefeated leaders, Harrogate at Moorend on November 10th.

Small improvements appear to be made each week with this Cleckheaton side. The one thing which is very evident is the spirit within the team. With a good blend of the experience of players such as Steve Worsley, who is invaluable around the rucks and in the lineouts and the dogged hard graft of Ryan Piercy mixed with the growing maturity of all three Piper brothers, Ross Hayden, Martin Woodhead and Danny Nolan, this team can become contenders for honours in the coming months. Both Jack Bickerdike and Iain Gordon are starting to control the direction of play and their partnership will be vital in key games.