National League Three North

Wirral 25

Cleckheaton 27

CLECKHEATON came back from a 22-0 deficit just before the interval to record a most unlikely but very well deserved victory. Unsettled by late withdrawals and illness, the visitors appeared lethargic from the outset and gave Wirral acres of space to run in three tries, two of which were converted, and add a penalty.

The comeback began in the 32nd minute when the Cleckheaton pack secured possession on the Wirral 22.

The tried and tested rolling maul was set in motion, and Richard Piper was awarded the try. Oliver Akroyd, replacing flu victim Ross Hayden as marksman, expertly converting from the touchline.

It was obvious from the body language of the Cleckheaton side early in the second half that this game was far from over.

Set-piece possession, which had been hard to secure in the first half, was now used to gain field position deep in Wirral territory. Tries from youngster Cameron Burnhill (nephew of former England tourist Steve), making his debut in the first XV, Danny Vento and Ben Thrower, one of which was converted by Akroyd, gave the visitors the lead going into the last ten minutes.

Wirral hit back with a penalty from full back James Annetts but it was the cool head of Akroyd which secured the victory in the dying minutes with a penalty.