CLECKHEATON welcomed table-toppers Scarborough to Moorend for a league game for the first time in two decades. They were hoping to continue their winning run but were beaten 29-19, despite a late comeback attempt.

The hosts made a bright start and Dale Breakwell kicked an early penalty from 35 metres to put them 3-0 ahead.

The lead did not last long as Jack Bickerdike and Jack Seddon made a mess of a pick up from a scrum and, with quick hands to the right, the Scarborough full back strolled over for an unconverted try to put his side 5-3 in front.

Breakwell restored the lead with another penalty on 23 minutes after the visitors were caught offside.

On 32 minutes, Cleck won a penalty in their own 22 but some dissent saw the decision reversed. They were made to regret that ill-discipline, as the Scarborough No8 burst through a gap for a try to make it 10-6.

Danny Booth and Mike Swetman almost got in for tries as half time approached but the Scarborough defence was able to scramble and snuff out their threat.

A Scarborough flanker was sent to the sin bin with 39 minutes played but at half-time, the score remained 10-6.

The visitors were reduced to 13 men after another sin bin early in the second half. Cleckheaton should have capitalised but they lacked patience.

On 50 minutes, Cleck's Josh Plunkett could not keep hold of a pass that was rocketed towards him and the ball came loose in a crunching tackle. The kick ahead went to hand, allowing Scarborough to cross for a long range try.

The visitors extended their lead to 17-6 with the conversion and with 12 minutes left, they got the bonus point try after another length of the field effort.

Breakwell kicked his third penalty of the game with 10 minutes remaining and some quick thinking by Cleckheaton's star man, Swetman, saw him put Mike Hayward into space to cross on the left for his 10th try of the season on 76 minutes.

The hosts were pushing for a losing bonus point, but a counter attack from deep went awry. The ball was lost and the visiting flanker scored under the posts. The conversion made it 29-14 to Scarborough.

There was still time left for Cleckheaton to add another score. Booth crossed for his sixth try since joining the club but the touchline conversion went wide.

The score was now 29-19 but the hosts had no more time to snatch a bonus point and the referee blew the final whistle.

Scarborough deserved the victory on the day, showing their league topping credentials, but Cleckheaton battled all the way and had a resurgent last 10 minutes. With better ball retention in attacking areas, the result may have been different.

Next week, Cleckheaton are at home again, with East Yorkshire side Bridlington the visitors. Kick off is at 2.15pm.