Old Crossleyans 34, Cleckheaton 41

This SSE North One East game yesterday reflected the best and worst of rugby at this level.

For the visitors, there was a welcome first away win of the season and for Old Crossleyans a deserved bonus point, despite a 6-3 try disparity.

Cleckheaton were 14 points ahead in as many minutes with tries from Matt Piper and Ross Hayden, both converted by Iain Gordon.

The hosts soon hit back with tries from player-coach Chris Jones and skipper James Wainwright, both of which were improved by scrum half Ed Cockroft.

Both kickers had chances to put their side in front but it was Cockroft who was successful with a penalty on the half-hour.

Matt Piper scored his second try of the half from a quick Olly Depledge tap penalty in front of the posts, and his brother Richard registered his first try just before the interval,following a Steve Worsley break, Gordon converting.

Two further Cockroft penalties left the home side three points down at half-time.

The early stages of the second half were dominated by Cleckheaton.

However, out of the blue, a mass brawl ensued and Crossleyans No 8 Ryan Hammond was sent off.

The referee attempted to settle matters and, from the resultant penalty, Joe Goiti secured good line-out ball and Richard Piper was on the end of a ruthless rolling maul, Gordon once again converting.

Cockroft reduced the arrears with two further penalties but it was Cleckheaton who stamped their authority on proceedings with a Gordon penalty and a hat-trick try for Richard Piper.

Crossleyans completed the scoring on the final whistle with a Simon Normanton try - just reward for the home side’s battling performance.