Home-grown option is the way forward for Cleckheaton

10:44pm Thursday 2nd September 2010

By Bill Marshall

Cleckheaton will have 11 home-grown players in their starting 15 when they host West Hartlepool in North Division One on Saturday.

Two signings from Heath will pair up in the second row for the hosts - 6ft 7in Dave Freeman and Grant Turton, son of Cleckheaton stalwart Dave.

Among those with an early opportunity to shine are full back James Wilson and winger Craig Blackburn, who spent much of last season with the Kestrels.

West Hartlepool are expected to be among the stronger teams in the division, having recruited several players from Hartlepool Rovers.

Cleckheaton spokesman Alan Bentley said: "This is the first time in eight years that we have played in this league.

"But, ironically, relegation into the regional leagues means more travelling, with four visits to the Newcastle area, one to Carlisle, one to Durham and two trips to Hartlepool.

"The local derbies will be contested against Wheatley Hills, Driffield and eagerly-awaited battles against Old Brodleians, Old Crossleyans and Pontefract.

"Instead of a relegation hangover, the club has refocused, set achievable targets and the coaching staff have looked at the existing squad with an aim to improve their skill levels, discipline and execution of the basics.

"Paul Turner continues as captain, with the constantly improving and maturing Richard Piper as pack leader.

"Matt Burrows and Lance Hamilton are the only first-team regulars to have left for pastures new.

"On a more positive note, the club welcomes new signings in Dave Freeman, who has also played for the Royal Navy and a welcome homecoming for former players Grant Turton and Tom Brook.

"All are likely to feature regularly in the first XV and have shown up well in pre-season. Prop Danny Furniss, having previously played for the third XV but also in the senior teams at National League club Huddersfield, has also shown distinct promise and, along with the experienced Jarrad Toulson and the improving James Wilson, will be pushing for a first- team place.

"Carl Mason and Dominic Castle will play when business and family commitments allow, and Olly Depledge, Matt Piper, Ed Chapellow, Mitch Ashworth, Craig Blackburn, Nathan Clayton and Matt Beasty should get plenty of chances to show their paces in the senior team, alongside last-season regulars in Andy Piper and Steve Worsley.

"Peter Murphy, Iain Gordon, skipper Turner, Ryan Piercy and Ross Hayden will be the pivotal players and the key decision-makers, and the players the youngsters will look towards for an example and leadership.

"Joe Massarella is likely to leave for Italy, where he is hoping to get the chance to play senior-level rugby, but he will play prior to his departure.

"Pre-season has been worthwhile with a very good workout against Bradford and Bingley, with 41 players taking an active part in two games, the need to assess partnerships necessitating regular replacements being the priority over results.

"A squad of 22 players travelled to Pontefract last Thursday evening to contest the first round of the Centurion Yorkshire Cup.

"An excellent victory by 28-24 after extra time under the far-from-bright Pontefract floodlights has provided an insight into the potential strength of sides at this level.

"Tries from Ryan Piercy, James Wilson and Iain Gordon, and two conversions and three penalties from Gordon, meant a deseved win for a squad, all of whom were given game-time.

* The club has announced that kick-off times for September, October, March and April will be 3pm and November, December, January and February 2-15, except for the home games against Old Crossleyans on the November 13 and Old Brodleians on February 19, which will have 3pm starts to facilitate major pre-match proceedings for the two local derbies.

All four senior teams are hoping to begin their season in earnest on Saturday, with the second team under the guidance of former first-team captain and the proud father of the Piper boys, Gordon, sure to have a beneficial effect.

Cleckheaton (home to West Hartlepool):J Wilson; C Blackburn, P Murphy, Matt Piper, R Hayden; I Gordon, O Depledge; P Turner, S Worsley, A Piper, G Turton, D Freeman, R Piercy, R Piper, N Clayton. Replacements: D Furniss, J Toulson, T Brook.