Old Brodleians 2nds 19 - 44 Cleckheaton Kestrels

With four of the backs that played in last week's game unavailable due to injury, illness or holiday, Cleckheaton had to reshape their backline before making the short trip to Old Brodleian's. However they did welcome into the side James Wilson who was to make a large contribution and young George Speight who made his debut for the Kestrels.

Old Brods' 1st team were at home so the game took place on the sloping rear pitch and the hosts opted to play with that to their advantage in the 1st half. A combination of too many conceded penalties and that notorious slope meant that gaining territory was an uphill battle for Cleckheaton. As a result, much of the 1st period was played in the visitors' half but a great defensive effort, with notable shots from Andy Piper and Tom Brooke on Brods' strong running Kenyan 2nd row, kept the home side out. Ironically Brods did get over for the first try of the game when the Kestrels tried to run the ball out from their 5m line and a pass from scrum half to standoff was intercepted, gifting Brods a 5-0 lead. The Kestrels responded with some determined running but didn't really pressurise the Brods whitewash and eventually settled for 2 converted penalties via the boot of James Wilson, to take a 6-5 lead. On the stroke of half time, the Kestrels' concentration lapsed and Brods' centre made a determined run, weaving through 4 or 5 half hearted Cleckheaton tackles for a try under the sticks. The conversion was a formality and at half time Brods led 12-6.

The half time team talk from coach Gordon Piper called for more effort and less complication. Nathan Clayton heeded the words and after catching the ball at the restart ran hard and straight at the opposition. He crashed through the first line of defence before eventually being brought down on halfway. Carl Mason then rumbled on and with the 2nd period just 30 seconds old, it was clear the Kestrels meant business. Brods conceded a scrum close to their line and Clayton picked up and dived over for Cleck's first try. James Wilson adding the extras. The new found territorial advantage continued and gave Cleck possession at the back of a ruck on Brod's 20. The ball was fed to James Wilson, who came on a delightful angled run to scythe through Brods' defence for a try, which he duly converted. Luke Bashforth had joined the fray from the the bench in the 2nd half and wasted little time getting on the score sheet with Cleck's 3rd try, after he forced his way over the whitewash from close range. The conversion brought the scores to 27-12.

Brods responded with a converted try after Cleckheaton conceded 3 penalties in a row for tackle area infringements in their own 22. However, the reduction in Brods' deficit was short lived as Neil Gillan went close from a tap penalty, leading to James Wilson scooping up the ball and diving over for his 2nd try. Wilson then claimed his hatrick going in at the top side of the pitch after good work from backs and forwards alike. With a minute to go Cleckheaton scored arguably their best try of the day when Connor Davies gathered the ball from a Brods kick down field inside his 22. Rather than opt for the safety of a kick to touch the winger stepped inside the onrushing Brods defender and ran 40m up the touch line side before feeding the supporting Ricky Motlib. The hooker also made several metres before passing to Craig Blackburn who, with the line beckoning, passed to Wilson to go in for his 4th of the afternoon. Wilson also added the conversion to bring his personal points tally to 34 and the referee blew time on the game giving Cleck a 44-19 victory.

This was an excellent 2nd half performance from the Kestrels, team spirit is very high and the outlook for the season looks good!