5th April 2008
Hull 17 - 5 Cleckheaton
The Kestrels traveled to east Yorkshire with just 15 men to face a Hull side boasting 7 substitutes. Like Hull, Cleckheaton had the benefit of a few players who have gained first team experience since these two 2nd teams last met in October. Cleckheaton had a slightly beneficial breeze at their backs in the first half and chose to kick for field position on many occasions. Whilst touch was readily found, Hull's line out was pretty solid and the home side were able to regain possession. Good defensive work against Hull's big forwards began to have an effect and with Hull pinned in their own half for some time, Cleck were awarded three penalties in kickable range. Rather than going for goal, Cleck took the line out or scrum option but didn't manage to cross the line. The Kestrel's were rather unlucky in this regard as on two occasions a deft pass from Johno Marshall put runners away only for the referee to blow for a forward pass.
Cleck let their discipline slip mid-way through the half and array of penalties gave Hull dangerous field position. The experienced former professional, Leroy McKenzie, first went close but dropped the ball on the line and then he managed to split Cleck's defensive line again, this time completing the try under the posts. The conversion was added to give Hull a 7 - 0 lead.
Cleckheaton made good inroads into Hull territory on a few more occasions in the remainder of the first half but were unable to score. In the dying minutes of the opening 40, Hull got one hand on the points with a try from winger Wilson. The conversion was missed but at the interval Hull led 12 - 0.
During the break Cleckheaton renewed their determination to take the game to Hull and the forwards set out to take the ball on at every opportunity. This paid dividends as Cleck managed to starve Hull of possession for a period of time. 15 minutes into the 2nd half, a penalty on the Hull 22 was tapped to Cleck's left and a cut out pass from Mark Chivers found Joe South who charged down the wing for a try in the corner. This was Joe's (pictured) first try in 2008 and the whole team rushed to congratulate him. It also delighted the Cleck support of over 3 people.
Though the conversion drifted just wide, Cleck were now back in the game at 12 - 5 and the next try would surely prove decisive. Cleckheaton battled hard to get on the score sheet once more but Hull now used their bench to provide fresh legs and the 6 substitutes they used in the second half made the task all the more difficult for the Kestrels.
Eventually Hull sealed the win following a strong run from one of their big forwards and with quick recycling and good hands, wingman Wilson went in for his second try of the afternoon. The conversion was missed and the final score was 17 - 5.
This was a reasonable performance from Cleck, who on a different day could have come away with a win. Special mentions go to Matt Womersley who took a nasty knock to his shoulder in the first half but played on rather than leave the team with 14 men, to debutant Mike Batty who had a good first game and of course to Joe South who broke his duck.
To see some photos of the game click here.