Cleckheaton were looking to bounce back after last week's defeat at Driffield when they entertained neighbours Heath in a League fixture for the first time. 2 changes from last week, Andy Piper and Bradley Marsden were both unavailable, so Archie Rika Rayne moved into Tight Head and Jack Seddon and Josh Plunkett moved to Blind Side and Second Row.
Heath kicked off on a sunny and breezy afternoon and Cleckheaton got an early foothold in the Heath half with some strong running from Jack Flanagan and Jack Seddon. It was noticeable early on that Heath were not committing bodies to the rucks and this allowed Cleckheaton to set up some clean ball for the pacy backs but Heath defensive line remained intact. It took 25 minutes with the ball almost constantly in the Heath half before the first score came along, some smart work down the right with Brambani and Marshall making metres before Tom Hainsworth took the scoring pass to cross for his 3rd try of the season, Dale Breakwell kicked the conversion from the touchline and Cleckheaton led 7-0. Heath threatened briefly before half time but there was no further scoring.
Early in the second half , Heath launched a series of attacks but great defence kept the visitors at bay until an infringement under the posts followed by two more tested Mr Baker's patience and he sent Dale Breakwell to the sin bin and shortly after awarded Heath a Penalty Try , 7-7 on 43 minutes. Heath then took the lead when ex Cleckheaton player Paul Turner broke through the line on a 30 metre gallop, the ball was recycled and swept to the left for Jonny Cole to cross for a fine try, the conversion was good 7-14 on 50 minutes.
Heath's pack was starting to cause the home side problems, Tom Lillycrop and Dom Flanagan joined the game off the bench and made some hard yards but the defence was breached again this time down the right flank with a 3rd try from replacement Boussada , kick was missed, 7-19 with 10 minutes to play. Was there time to launch a Cleckheaton fightback? On 73 minutes a sweeping move across the park saw Tom Hainsworth cross for his 2nd try of the afternoon, converted by Dale Breakwell to set up a grandstand finish 14-19. The ball was moved left and right looking for an opening and when the Cleckheaton pack drove deep inside the Heath 22 it looked as though they could pull the game out of the fire, unfortunately the ball was turned over and the chance was gone, Heath cleared their lines and the Referee blew for time. Cleckheaton picked up a losing bonus point for their efforts in a fully committed performance.
No league action next week , next game away at Bradford and Bingley on 13th November early kick off at 2.15 .