Darlington 3 Cleckheaton 13

Little seems to change at Blackwell Meadows, Darling-ton, where Cleckheaton were visitors in the first National League Three North game of the season.

There was the usual warm welcome but also a large and uncompromising pack, wind and driving rain.

Cleck had four new players on show in full back Ryan Duckett, winger Joe South, scrum half Adam Faulkner and flanker Stuart Davis, while returning to the side was Naz Salama at No 8.

In the first half, Cleck played uphill against the elements, Darlington, as usual, employing rolling mauls and kicking for position.

The difference to last season, when Cleck were well beaten, was their effort and determination, including some impeccable defence. All this paved the way to a 13-3 victory.

Darlington captain Richard Snowball saw his pack manoe-uvre themselves into several scoring positions, only to see the chances spurned due to poor handling and decision-making.

After almost 35 minutes of pressure, Cleck made a rare visit to the Darlington half, an infringement at a ruck presenting Chris Quinn with a very difficult penalty kick.

To the astonishment of the crowd, he converted from 35 yards against a very strong wind. Darlington replied on the stroke of half-time with a penalty in front of the posts.

With the elements in their favour, it was now Cleck's turn to apply pressure.

In the 45th minute, Quinn converted his second penalty of the day to make it 6-3.

Cleck were now in the driving seat. However, over-enthusiasm by Davis resulted in a yellow card.

But losing a man seemed to inspire Cleck, who pinned Darlington in their 22 for a long period, Salama eventually getting the opportunity to cross for a well-deserved try. Quinn added a magnificent conversion from the touchline.

Cleck could have increased their lead when John Bentley intercepted a loose pass on halfway, only lack of support preventing a score.