Beverley 10

TENACITY, persistence, determination – just three words to describe why Cleckheaton look a different outfit to the one which faced a relegation battle and a 17-point gap to catch up with the rest of National Three North just four weeks ago.

Confidence is high after Cleckheaton extended their unbeaten run to three games with victory over seventh placed Beverley.

Victory came courtesy of four tries and they managed to earn a vital bonus point which has taken the Moorenders five points clear of the bottom two.

The turnaround is due to an overall improvement of team morale and a tangible sense of direction, instilled by dedicated head coach Dave Harrison and his assistant Pete Murphy.

The latter is also having a huge impact on the field moving to inside centre where he has provided support to the rampaging back row of Lance Hamilton, Richard Piper and Matt Burrows.

Cleckheaton came out with a visible sense of purpose on a heavy pitch which only 24 hours previously had been under water.

Iain Gordon had the chance to open the scoring for the home side in the 12th minute but his penalty attempt went wide. Just three minutes later he was given a second chance which he converted from 25 metres.

Both defences looked strong as each set of forwards fought for possession.

In the 20th minute Beverley winger Goran Jelencic was short with a penalty attempt.

Four minutes later and against the run of play Beverley took the lead when a break down the stand side by centre Richard Bussey was supported by hooker Alex Forth, who showed an impressive turn of pace to score from half-way out.

Scrum-half Mike Kilgannon converted and the visitors had posted a warning.

Cleckheaton re-grouped and again drove into Beverley territory. A lineout 15 metres out was taken cleanly by the excellent Ryan Piercy. Forward momentum was maintained and the pack drove over the line, with Carl Mason credited with the try.

The home side showed good cohesion and gained the edge. Gordon missed another penalty attempt but the home side went into the break with a one-point advantage.

The second half continued in the same vein as Cleckheaton defended tigerishly close to the breakdown and eagerly following kicks into Beverley territory.

The back three of Hayden, Ashworth and Massarella were particularly adept at closing down the space for Beverley to attack.

In the 50th minute Gordon broke from his half and directed a lovely grubber kick towards touch where Hayden took a perfect bounce in his stride and dived over for an excellent try in the corner.