DESPITE building up a commanding 22-0 lead after 28 minutes, Wirral did not have the fire power to see them home in their last match of 2014.

Wirral took the lead as early as the 2nd minute when Adam Sheldon went in at the corner for a try; their lead was increased to 8-0 in the 17th minute with a James Annetts penalty.

At this stage it was all Wirral who scored two further tries through Adam Sheldon, his second try, and Craig Harvey, both converted by Annetts to give Wirral a 22-0 lead after 28 minutes.

Gradually Cleckheaton worked their way back into the game and in the minutes leading up to half time scored a push over try through skipper, Richard Piper.

This was converted from the touch line by Ackroyd to leave the score 22-7 in Wirral’s favour at the interval.

In the second half, with a slight wind in their favour, it was the away side that had the majority of the possession and territory.

Through the work of their forwards they scored tries through Burnhill, Vento and Thrower; with only one being converted Cleckheaton took the lead 22-24.

Wirral responded immediately and regained the lead through a James Annetts penalty but the game was settled with a penalty to Cleckheaton in front of the posts; a surprising victory given Wirral’s dominance the first 30 minutes of the game.

This was a game Wirral were looking to win in their bid to survive in National 3 North and they will be looking to improve their position in the second half of the season.

Richard McNeil