Cleckheaton 31 West Leeds 34

CLECKHEATON lost a dramatic game to visitors West Leeds in North One East, coming from behind to take an 11 point lead, before conceding two late tries to see their home winning run brought to an end.

The hosts made several changes to last week’s team. Alex Browne returned on the right wing and Jack Seddon came in at flanker.

In positional changes, captain Matt Piper started at six, reflecting Cleckheaton’s back row injury crisis, with James Wilson and Martin Woodhead filling the centre positions and Mikey Hayward at full back.

The visitors opened the scoring with an early penalty, which later proved crucial, as both sides would subsequently go on to score five tries and three conversions each.

Cleckheaton got their opening try after West Leeds failed to secure a loose ball near their own line and player-coach Thiu Barnard pounced to collect his first of the season to make it 5-3.

West Leeds turned the game around with two tries in two minutes from winger Marshall. Hoey converted both and took the score to 17-5 to the visitors.

On 36 minutes, the referee ordered a five-metre scrum after Cleck were held up over the line. A slick move at the base of the scrum put Wilson into a gap and he crossed to score a try converted by Ben Dearing to make it 17-12.

After some half-time changes, Cleck’s third try came on 43 minutes after multiple phases and good hands from Dearing, Piper and Grant Fitzsimmons put Hayward in the corner to level the scores at 17-17.

Ten minutes later and the lead was extended when Browne took a pass from Jack Bickerdike to score his first try for the club. Dearing added the extras to make the score 24-17.

West Leeds' captain Neave scored the next try following good work down the right to make it anybody's game at 24-22.

Cleckheaton extended the lead again though following a good forward drive, with hooker Tim Mobbs touching down. The conversion was added by Dearing and Cleckheaton looked to be in control at 31-22.

West Leeds then suddenly turned the scoreboard on its head with two tries in five minutes.

The first was scored by replacement Gregory, who drove over from close range before Carpenter crossed for the winner, which was converted by Hoey to give West Leeds a three-point lead.

Cleckheaton picked up losing and try-scoring bonus points but this will be scant consolation, as it was a game they let slip through their hands.

Their defence will have to improve dramatically if they are to get any joy out of their trip to high-flying York this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.