14 Kestrels beat Wheatley Hills in friendly fixture.

The team left Moorend with 11 confirmed players. This had risen to 14 by the time the game got underway thanks in part to club legend Bob Wilson, who, following a stellar rugby career, came out of retirement to marshal the Kestrels’ wing attack.

Wheatley Hills began by making the most of the one man advantage and attacked the Kestrels’ line with battering forward play. The defence stood solid. Covering tackles from captain Jarrod Toulson and excellent marshalling from Bob Wilson ensured no early points were given away.

It was a further 10 minutes before Cleckheaton got their hands on the ball. Inspired by the man- marshalling of Bob Wilson, the pack began to control the breakdown and soon gaps appeared in the Wheatley Hills’ defence.

Eventually they would break and Danny Furness powered over to score the first try of the game. Toulon converted.

The try gave the Kestrels much needed confidence and it was not long until they were back in the opposition 22. With only seven forwards, Cleckheaton managed a solid scrum. The resulting quick ball was whipped delicately down the line to winger Connor Davies who dived over to score the second try.

Wheatley Hills struck back before half time with a few of their own but Cleckheaton went into the second half, now playing down hill, with the confidence to close the game and secure the win.

Using the slope Cleckheaton played much of their game in the bottom corner of the field. Following a line out close to the Wheatley line, the Cleckheaton forwards walked the ball 10 yards before scrum half Mark Fletcher danced his way around the flat footed defence to score one of the finest tries of the season. After the game, Mark dedicated his try to an emotional Bob Wilson.

As the light started to fail the game became scrappy before a final try from Danny Furness secured the win for Cleckheaton.

Short of players and in cold horrible conditions, Cleckheaton Kestrels pulled off a worthy win.

Team spirit was high throughout the game and the Kestrels now look forward to Saturday’s home game against Sheffield.

Training Thursday, 7pm.