It's close but Cleckheaton notch another five-pointer (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

It's close but Cleckheaton notch another five-pointer

5:40pm Sunday 7th October 2012 in Sport By Alan Bentley

Cleckheaton 30, Malton & Norton 23

Cleckheaton moved up to sixth place in SSE North One East with this second successive bonus-point victory but, as the scoreline suggests, the game was in the balance up to the last minute.

In perfect conditions for running rugby, Cleckheaton took the lead when wing Martin Woodhead intercepted in midfield and raced in for a try which was converted by Iain Gordon.

Malton replied with a penalty from fly half Charlie Ramsey, and minutes later took the lead with a try from pacy winger Tom Newitt, which was converted by Ramsey.

The home side reverted to their strengths and, from a rolling maul, space was created for James Wilson to sprint over for a try which was converted by Gordon.

A further Gordon penalty and an unconverted try from Jonno Marshall put Cleckheaton into a 22 10 lead at the break, and seemingly in the driving seat.

Within five minutes of the second half, Cleckheaton were under pressure when skipper Richard Piper was sin-binned.

Ramsey reduced the arrears with a penalty, and in the space of ten minutes the game was turned on its head with Newitt completing a try hat-trick for Malton, who took a one-point lead into the last 15 minutes.

The home side regrouped, and another well-orchestrated rolling maul from Oliver Akroyd line-out possession led to Richard Piper being awarded a try, the conversion from Gordon hitting a post for the second time in the afternoon.

A timely drop goal from Gordon completed the scoring and Cleckheaton had managed to secure a second five-point victory of the season following their six-try victory over Morpeth.