Morpeth 19 - 20 Cleckheaton

Cleckheaton just about deserved the victory in this keenly contested match but it was very close. The first quarter of the game was all Cleckheaton and it appeared that they would run up a big score. An Iain Gordon penalty and a very well constructed try from James Marshall converted by Gordon put the visitors in the driving seat after 15 minutes. Morpeth had hardly touched the ball and appeared to be unable to cope with the accuracy and quick switches of play instigated by the Cleckheaton half backs. However, the home pack had the upper hand in the set scrums and this advantage was used to the full in creating two tries for centres James Phillips and Ben Hornby one of which was converted by Matty Jinks.

Cleckheaton were now in a game and it took strong defence to repel a series of Morpeth attacks. The first quarter of the second half saw the visitors regain the upper hand, once again dominating territory and looking the more likely team to score. On the hour mark and much against the pattern of play a Ben Hornby interception try from 50 metres out converted by Jinks extended the Morpeth lead. Cleckheaton dug deep and tries from Richard Piper latching onto an Oliver Akroyd line out catch and Martin Woodhead when he sneaked in skilfully in a tight space in the corner, were simply a reflection of the team’s determination and doggedness. Both conversion attempts from Iain Gordon hit the post from wide angles but Cleckheaton had edged into the lead at a crucial point of the game. Time was up when Morpeth had the chance to take the spoils. However Matty Jinks' penalty effort from 40 metres hit the post and was cleared by a relieved but jubilant Cleckheaton side.

A close but deserved win for Cleckheaton. Line out possession was good and the forwards put in a hard shift in the face of a determined but limited Morpeth pack. Any win is a good win especially at the most northerly outpost of this league and the players must gain confidence from the overall team performance. Moreover, it was pleasing to see that the players were not as hospitable on the pitch as the Morpeth club were with their welcome off it.

The Kestrels continued their dominant form with a 50 point victory over Wharfedale’s development team and extended their lead at the top of the Championship (See Match Report). The thirds had an excellent league victory over Halifax seconds and the fourths narrowly lost against a strong Castleford thirds who top their particular area merit table.