Cleckheaton 20 Sale 17

CLECKHEATON got 2015 off to a terrific start with a 20-17 victory over high-flying Sale.

After trailing 10-6 at the break, two second-half tries won the match and continued the Moorenders' unbeaten home league record. An opportunist try from Chris Mayor put Sale ahead halfway through the first half, and penalty goals were exchanged, and a drop goal by man of the match Michael Piper kept Cleckheaton within a score at the break.

Cleckheaton drove over the line twice in a very determined second-half performance, Ben Thrower and Rob Afoa Peterson getting the touchdowns and Ross Hayden succeeding with two difficult conversions.

A very late try by Sale made for a tense last couple of minutes but Cleckheaton held firm, kept their discipline and with it notched their fifth successive league victory.