Dan's the man as Clayton triumph

6:23pm Monday 5th May 2008

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Clayton 28 Queensbury 6

Full back Danny Belcher was the star of the show, posting a 16-point personal tally as Clayton overcame neighbours Queensbury in the Jack Senior Memorial Bradford Cup final at Grattan Stadium.

Clayton hit the straps early doors in front of a bumper crowd at the rain-lashed famous Odsal Bowl.

They fed the ball out wide to put wingman Dominic Brook racing in at the corner and Belcher stepped up to slot over the penalty following an infringement at the ruck.

Holders Bury stepped up the intensity with some robust tackling and substitute forward Matt Wolski looked a certain scorer but was bundled into touch at the corner flag.

Hooker Phil Redgrave burrowed his way over, only to be held up over the line, before the deadly boot of Belcher struck again when the markers were caught not square at the play-the-ball.

Clayton's domination was once more apparent when packman Liam Ruff combined well to power his way to the chalk but he failed to ground the ball and Clayton had to settle for an 8-0 lead at the interval.

Stand-off Scott Pendlebury hoisted a pin-point kick on the restart to allow Belcher the chance to outstrip all comers in a thrilling run to the posts and he added the simple conversion, plus another penalty, to ensure he collected the man of the match award.

Queensbury continued to defend with gusto, with big hits from prop Darren Wilkinson and loose forward Stephen Senior, but their hopes of retaining the trophy finally bit the dust when claret and gold centre James Waddington made a flying leap through a tiring rearguard to plant the ball on the chalk.

Another well-drilled effort from the tireless Ruff followed soon after and Belcher banged over both the extras.

But it was Bury who had the final say, Wolski earning his reward for a gutsy performance and scrum half Josh Naylor kicking the goal.