Wheatley Hills 25, Cleckheaton 10

Last season’s North One East matches between these two sides were keenly-contested close encounters.

On the evidence of the first half of yesterday's match, it appeared that the home side had taken a step up on their opponents.

Although Iain Gordon gave Cleckheaton an early lead with a penalty, Wheatley soon got into their stride, with forwards and backs combining well to create four tries within the space of 20 minutes from centre Ryan Guest and mobile back row Jack Craswell, who crossed for two individual efforts.

Mikey Hayward scored the bonus-point try on the half- hour, and fly half Guy Townsley kicked one conversion.

The second half started well for Cleckheaton, and in the 42nd minute Gordon crossed for an excellent try, following good driving play by the forwards.

The score was converted by the same player and the visitors were battling back.

Unfortunately, several try-scoring opportunities were lost and the only further score of the second half was a penalty by Townsley for Wheatley.

This was another disappointing Cleckheaton performance, with the forwards in general coming off second best to a more physical and aggressive unit.