Cleckheaton 31, Wirral 52

IN warm sunny conditions, Cleckheaton were determined to collect points from their last home game in order to avoid the league's relegation zone.

It was Wirral who started the stronger though, and from the kick-off played at a pace which stunned Cleckheaton.

During the first 15 minutes Wirral scored twice through Craig Harvey and Matt Loon; both tries were converted by James Annetts to establish an early 14 points lead.

Cleckheaton, the home side, worked hard to get in to the game, started to establish some possession and were awarded a penalty after a high tackle by the Wirral defender; Ron Hayden converted.

Just before half-time Wirral extended their lead when Ali Baker touched down in the corner; 7-19 at the interval.

In the second-half both sides played some excellent rugby as the ball moved from one end of the pitch to the other.

It was Wirral who broke the deadlock when Matt Loon ran in from 30 metres, 7-24 to Wirral.

Two minutes later, Hayden, Cleckheaton's full-back, scored and converted to keep the home side in the game at 14-24.

Wirral took the game out of Cleckheaton's reach with three tries in ten minutes from Craig Harvey, Ali Baker and Mark Williams, all converted by Annetts, 14-45.

The last quarter saw another four tries; Hayden (2) and Piper for Cleckheaton, and Matt Loon’s hat-trick for Wirral.

Score at full time: Cleckheaton 31 - Wirral 52.

With no game next week, Wirral host promotion chasers Rossendale in two weeks for the final game of the season.