National League North: Morley 21 Cleckheaton 7

MORLEY claimed the bragging rights against derby neighbours Cleckheaton in a no-thrills game at Scatcherd Lane.

The home team, lying in the highest of the three relegation places, desperately needed the win, and their players took the field in that manner.

Cleckheaton on the other hand, looked lethargic and didn't string much meaningful rugby together at all in the opening 40 minutes.

Ben Bowen got Morley on the scoreboard when their pack turned over a Cleckheaton scrum five metres out and the scrum half picked the pocket of his own No 8 to dive over for the try, with Mark Chester adding the extras.

Ten minutes later, Chester added a penalty goal, and Henry Sheill then went in for a well-taken try that the speedy full back started in his own half, giving an interval score of 15-0.

Cleckheaton started the second half with a lot more vigour but were thwarted by handling errors.

Eventually, after a spell of pressure, Lee Queeley crashed over for the visitors and Ronan Evans added the conversion to bring the scores within eight points.

However, play in the last 20 minutes was largely in the middle third of the pitch, with kicks downfield dominating play.

Cleckheaton could not maintain their discipline and Morley were awarded three penalties in front of the sticks from varying distances, Chester landing two of them for a final score of 21-7.