York stood one place above Cleckheaton in North One East with six points separating them before their match and with a game in hand. Cleckheaton, in turn, were one place above the three teams in relegation spots. Daz Rutherford, Evan Woodworth and Will Scholey made up the starting York front-row with Dave Rhodes and Luke Stockton in the second-row. Ben Dent played at outside-centre, Jon Dawes inside him and George Davies at full-back. The game’s 3pm kick-off provided clear and bright skies with a drifting breeze that favoured York in the first half.

The good rugby conditions provided both teams with an opportunity to use their full fifteen and both sides opened the game steadily. York’s set-pieces were tight, the forward pack were working together to prevent Cleckheaton attacks and the back-line were looking dangerous when they had an opportunity. Liam Hessay was using the breeze to kick cleanly from hand to gain territory. The first thirty minutes of the game passed quickly with the only score going to Cleckheaton fly-half, Dale Breakwell, who kicked a penalty.
York started to apply consistent pressure on Cleckheaton as the first half progressed and they were rewarded when Daz Rutherford scored from close range after York retained attacking possession within the Cleck’ twenty-two. Toby Atkin then made a clean break from half-way and released Jon Dawes in space and support to run York’s second try home. Jon converted both scores and York were up, 3-14 at half-time.
With the breeze on their backs, Cleckheaton scored early to open the second-half. Their flanker, Josh Plunkett, went over on a penalty advantage after some phase ball deep in York’s 22. Dale Breakwell kicked a nice conversion to tighten the scores at 10-14.
York were still looking threatening and they had some variety in attack. Some back-line hands, some grind from the forwards and Ben Dent almost scored when he kicked through the Cleckheaton defensive line. Cleckheaton wiped out York’s first half advantage though when Dale Breakwell kicked a penalty to make it a one point game at 13-14.
With plenty of time remaining, York increased their lead with two tries. Luke Stockton was in the back-line and in space to score which was reward for their retention of possession and territorial advantage. Toby Atkin then crossed the line after a dominant scrum despite the attempts of two defenders. Jon missed both tricky conversions but York were eleven points ahead with fifteen minutes remaining.

Cleckheaton gave everything to get back in to the game. An injured Dave Rhodes, who was returning to his pack, got in the way of a wide Cleck’ pass and was yellow carded. Cleckheaton kicked to touch and set up an attacking maul five metres from the York line. The maul collapsed and Daz Rutherford was held responsible, he too was yellow carded.. From the resulting penalty Cleckheaton chose a scrum and the referee awarded the hosts a penalty try as it moved ominously towards York’s try-line. No need for a conversion it was a one score game with York down to thirteen. Ten minutes to go.
Cleckheaton returned to the York twenty-two quickly and after being awarded a penalty, they chose another scrum. With depleted numbers, Jon Dawes joined Luke in the second-row and the York pack held Cleckheaton up. Toby Atkin scragged the ball carrier off the back of the stalled scrum and won the penalty for York. In the final minutes York remained composed under pressure. With the binned players returning, Cleckheaton were not able to advance from midfield and the match finished,

Congratulations to all the players and the coaching staff on an important victory and well played to Cleckheaton who played a full part in an enjoyable game. York travel to Consett next weekend.

photos : http://www.yorkrufc.co.uk/photos/cleckheaton-v-york-9th-february-2019-874643.html