CLECKHEATON, playing their first pre-season friendly of the season, have reclaimed the John Bower Memorial Trophy after a 17-5 victory at Huddersfield YMCA.

YMCA had won the silverware for the previous three seasons, but found themselves 10-5 behind at half-time after tries by the visitors’ Andy Piper and Keiron Downs.

Danny Vento then extended Cleckheaton’s advantage with a nicely-timed run, Ronan Evans adding the conversion, but the visitors were also proud of their overall defence and how their youngsters coped in the second half.

Cleckheaton, who have signed fly half Neil Chivers from Otley and have welcomed the return of Ross Hayden from summer rugby league, although he is currently sidelined with a broken thumb, will be without fly half or full back Michael Piper, who has joined YMCA as player-coach.

Birkenhead Park visit Moorend tomorrow, while Otley – who are a division above Cleckheaton in National League Two North – host Kirkby Lonsdale.

Bradford & Bingley have pulled out of their friendly at Newark due to a lack of available players, but Bradford Salem are fulfilling two fixtures, with the first XV going to Harrogate Georgians (2.00) and the second XV to Wibsey, who have signed back-rower Martin Haworth from Baildon.

Keighley, who are back in Yorkshire Division One, have a friendly at Wheatley Hills, while Wharfedale are likely to be weaker than last Saturday (won 34-24 at Blaydon but lost prop Joe Altham with a knee injury) when they welcome Hull Ionians to The Avenue.

BILL MARSHALL