Penrith 36, Cleckheaton 17

Cleckheaton fought back well in the second half of yesterday's National League Three North clash in Cumbria but picked up some worrying injuries ahead of next Saturday's crucial relegation clash against Rochdale.

Already missing Dominic Castle with a dead leg and Steve Worsley with a recurring shoulder problem, they lost Ryan Piercy at half-time with a rib injury.

Penrith are tough to beat on their own pitch and built up a 26-3 half-time lead but Cleckheaton responded after the interval when they had wind and slope advantage with tries by Ross Hayden and Matt Piper and two conversions and a penalty by Iain Gordon.

The hosts were in command for the opening 20 minutes when it looked as if Cleckheaton had just stepped off the bus.

After half-time, however, it was a different story as Cleckheaton got the bit between their teeth somewhat, only for Penrith to eventually pull away.

Matt Beasty, who is only 19, made his starting debut at hooker for Cleckheaton and did pretty well in a difficult position.

Veteran Neil Gillan replaced Piercy at half-time, who, ideally, would have started on the bench himself.

Cleckheaton now need to win at least three of their last five matches to avoid the drop.