Cleckheaton ended the season on a positive note with a convincing 32-17 bonus-point victory over one-time title challengers Wheatley Hills to claim a third-place finish in North One East.

Games between the two clubs are always competitive no matter what is at stake. This final match of the season was no exception.

A try each for the league’s leading try-scorers Richard Piper and Gareth Burns ignited the game in the first six minutes and the scores were closely followed by an individual effort from the visitors’ big lock Gareth Manuel, which was converted by full back Jonny Woodcock.

Cleckheaton hit back in the 16th minute when Richard Piper scored his second try following good line-out possession from Oliver Akroyd.

Iain Gordon's conversion was unsuccessful but, on the stroke of half-time, he regained the lead for his side with a penalty.

The second half continued to reflect the first, with both sides playing open rugby creating an entertaining spectacle in excellent conditions.

Grant Turton extended the home side’s lead with a try which was converted by Iain Gordon and on the hour mark Craig Blackburn finished off an excellent handling movement to romp over wide out.

Gordon successfully converted his most difficult kick of the afternoon.

Burns reduced the arrears for the visitors with his second try after a muscular drive from a scrum but it was to be Cleckheaton who finished the stronger as Martin Woodhead sprinted over to complete the scoring.