Cleckheaton 34, Durham City 13

After the enforced weather break of the last few weeks, this North One East clash yesterday was a highly entertaining contest between two sides who were willing to take risks, despite poor conditions.

Ultimately Cleckheaton ran out convincing winners because of their clinical finishing and determined defence.

Iain Gordon opened the scoring for the home side with a penalty but in the fifth minute Cleckheaton lost their big ball-winning lock Dave Freeman with a dislocated shoulder.

The reshuffled pack increased their resolve and, from a driving maul, hooker Steve Worsley scored the game's first try, with Gordon adding the conversion.

City came more into the game at this point and, much to their credit, began to dominate territory despite playing into a strong wind.

Scrum half Jeff Roberts reduced the arrears with a penalty, and ten minutes later centre Richard Knowles was put through a gap following a period of pressure for a try which Roberts converted.

With the scores level as half-time approached, the game appeared evenly balanced and the visitors had the chance to take the lead with a penalty but Roberts was wide with his effort.

In injury time before the break, Cleckheaton scrum half Olly Depledge broke up the touchline, interpassed with Ross Hayden and finished the move with an excellent try, which was converted by Gordon.

The visitors remained competitive and were first to score in the second half with a Roberts penalty.

However, on the hour mark the game took a decisive turn in the direction of Cleckheaton when winger Martin Woodhead scored a good try wide out.

Further tries in quick succession from Ed Chappelow and a second from Woodhead, along with one Gordon conversion, put the game firmly in Cleckheaton's possession, and another five points for them keeps the pressure on the division's top two.

The signs are good that Cleckheaton will be in the promotion mix at the end of the season, and as confidence grows so does the team's reputation among their opponents.