Cleckheaton returned to winning ways after 2 consecutive defeats with a thrilling victory at Moorend today. Showing several changes from a defeat against Old Brodleians last time out, Tom Hainsworth and returning Dom Brambani formed a new centre partnership replacing Matty Piper and Olly Depledge, Jack Marshall started on the right wing. Thiu Barnard came in at lock with Bradley Marsden moving to flanker replacing Joey Carley with Jack Seddon sitting out his suspension.
Cleckheaton got off to a fast start, a long clearance downfield saw the Moortown take the ball but with a toe on the touchline. Marsden secured lineout possession and the pack powered Ben Thrower over the try line on 4 minutes for a 5-0 lead. On 10 minutes Tom Hainsworth burst onto a short ball in midfield to power clear and there was no stopping the big centre who crossed near the posts for Dale Breakwell to add the extras 12-0 on 10 minutes. Worse was to come for the visitors on 16 minutes when a delicate chip from Dom Brambani over the shell shocked defence fell into the hands of Mike Hayward who crossed for a third try on the afternoon taking the score to 17-0 and the Cleckheaton followers were dreaming of a big victory.
Moortown got into the game on 24 minutes after bombing several chances with poor handling and kicking away possession. A series of penalties and Moortown forced their way over the line for a try, the kick was missed but the score read 17-5.
Dom Brambani left the field with a head wound and was replaced by Dom Flanagan.
Thiu Barnard was also replaced by Ryan Piercy and on 31 minutes Dom Flanagan was shown the Yellow Card for not releasing in the tackle. Cleckheaton's reshuffle seemed to be effective ,the 14 men holding out until the final minute of the half when Moortown crossed for a second try to narrow the gap to 17-12 at half time.
At the start of the second half, a long clearance out of defence by the visitors should have been returned downfield but Tom Breakwells kick was charged down and in the scramble , Moortown equalised with a 3rd try 17-17 on 41 minutes.
In the next passage of play Dale Breakwell added a penalty which was countered by a penalty by Moortown 20-20 on 48 minutes.
The visitors had a good spell in the next 10 minutes and on the hour got a bonus point try to lead 20-25.
Cleckheaton now had to dig deep, Archie Rika Rayne joined the fray for Ben Thrower and a patched up Brambani returned to action. On 70 minutes a Dale Breakwell chip found Jack Marshall in space and he strolled in for a try, expertly converted from the touchline by Breakwell , Cleckheaton back in front 27-25. The scoring continued with 5 minutes left, a short range penalty by Dale Breakwell 30-25. On 78 minutes, Dom Flanagan took a pass from Mike Hayward and he left a defender on his backside but he managed to offload to Hayward who ran around to touch down near the posts for a simple kick for Dale Breakwell 37-25. The Referee still managed to issue another card in the final minute, Richard Piper who had a superb game being banished to the touchline. The Referee had a fine game and kept good control of a high tempo game, even finding time for team manager Nick Robinson to be told to keep quiet, while Matty Piper was told to remain in the technical area or go behind the barriers!
This was an important victory against a team that beat Ilkley last time out. Tom Hainsworth had a fine game in the centre and the whole of the Cleck pack had a mighty game, a bonus point win is a just reward for an epic performance.
Cleckheaton are away next week at Driffield kick off at 3.00 and there will be a coach for players and supporters , check website for up to date departure time.