A minute’s silence was held before this match at Moorend last Saturday as the club and its supporters were trying to come to terms with the very sad news of the death of club President, Alan Bentley. Alan was a very strong supporter of the club’s development initiatives and was very proud of the fact that we had blooded so many young players through the Kestrels, into first team over the last few years.

As the game kicked off, Cleckheaton launched straight into action and immediately applied pressure to Driffield. The North Yorkshire men where in no mood to concede early however and provided a stern defensive test. Josh White and Jack Seddon went close and James Wilson, on a meandering run, looked to have undone the defence but was thwarted with inches to go. It wasn’t until the 15th minute, when a change in direction of attack from Jarrad Toulson and a long pass from Matt Piper, put Craig Blackburn in space for a walk-in try. The conversion drifted wide.

Shortly after the restart the Kestrels increased their lead. Driffield did not keep the ball under control at the back of the ruck and Jack Seddon was first to react when it squirted out of the side. The back rower kicked on and managed to win the race to the ball, which had stopped tantalizingly in the in-goal area. The conversion was missed. Cleckheaton’s third try came with minutes to go in the first half. Good approach work from George Speight and an excellent off load from James Wilson, put the ever supporting Josh White over, to give Cleckheaton a 15-0 lead at the break.

Driffield had one or two sizeable looking lads on the touchline and they were introduced after half-time. Cleckheaton found themselves under pressure but managed to remain composed and keep the visitors out. The game was in deadlock for the next 30 minutes with both sides making in roads but then succumbing to excellent defence. It was Driffield who eventually ticked over the scoreboard with try by the sticks from one of their second rows, which was also converted. Cleckheaton replied with a bonus point try that was scored by Jim Crowther after excellent work from the pack. Jarrad Toulson added the extras. Driffield had the last word with a consolation try on 79 minutes to give a final score of 22-12.

This was a satisfying bonus point win for Cleckheaton’s young charges and one which would have made Alan Bentley bristle with pride.