CLAYTON got their Pennine League Division One campaign off to a great start with a superb 21-18 victory over Greetland All Rounders.

New coach Shaun Barnes, father of Jake and Luke Barnes, will have been pleased to get his first two points of the season in a game where the score wasn't a clear reflection of the play.

Greetland came with a big side and set about the home side quickly before taking the lead with a converted try after just a few minutes.

The next quarter of an hour proved to be an arm wrestle with both defences standing firm. Clayton broke though when forward Sam Wainwright crashed over but the resulting conversion sailed wide.

Shortly before half-time Clayton took the lead with the Greetland defence unable to keep out prop Jamie Waterman. Once again the conversion went the wrong side of the sticks but the home side now held a slender lead.

In a see-saw affair the visitors posted the next score with another converted try before Waterman crossed the whitewash again to levels things at 12-12.

Clayton edged themselves further in front thanks to neat work from centre Danny Priestley, who found his way to the line to score an unconverted try.

As the game entered the final quarter, the home side looked to finish off the Greetland challenge as sub Gareth Jacklin crashed over to touch down. Trouble with the boot continued though as the conversion missed its target once more.

The Halifax side weren't prepared to lie down and it looked like Clayton may rue those missed goal kicks as once again their lead was pegged back to 20-18 in the dying seconds.

In the end it was left to stand-off Gareth Barnes to settle the home supporters' nerves as he executed a super drop goal right at the death.

Luke Harps took the man of the match award while Priestley and Josh Belson were also very impressive.