On a beautiful day before Christmas, we entertain an improving Cleckheaton team, who have lost a number of matches by the odd point this season, we are anticipating a close encounter and that is what we got.

Again York set off slowly trying to exit from their own 22m, after 2 minutes of play conceding a kick able penalty, Dale Breakwell often a very reliable kicker hits the post. We see some poor kicking out of hand from the home side putting themselves under severe pressure, for the first quarter of the game, we are beginning to think is this Cleckheaton’s day! Then York begin to take control of the game, a sweet chip kick from Harry Shackleton followed by a kick charge down from Dan Evans takes play for the first time into the Cleckheaton 22m, are the league leaders now getting going, then a penalty is awarded from 48m for Dale Breakwell to convert.

From the kick off York get a good field position Harry Shackleton puts Angus Barrick away with Toby Atkin in support he goes over in the corner, the try is disallowed due to an obstruction, York are now on the attack a line out drive puts on the pressure the ball is moved to the blindside for Toby Atkin to find Luke Stockton who goes over in the corner, the conversion is unsuccessful. Luke Stockton is on fire, he breaks through the defence with a bullocking run from the opponents 22m, sells the sweetest of dummies to score by the posts, presenting a simple conversion for Harry Shackleton. York change their props after 20 minutes, Lewis Jackson for Eddie Westerby, this is the normal practice. Immediately there is a collapsed scrum penalty against York, Cleckheaton put the ball in the corner and from the line out a catch and drive sees a try which is not converted.

Cleckheaton have their tails up, looking dangerous with the threequarters handling slickly, the ball is moved wide to the speedy Jack Marshall he holds the touchline for 25m finding Tom Hainsworth on his inside who crashes over the line for Breakwell to convert. York 12 - Cleckheaton 15. From the kick off Cleckheaton are coming into the game creating pressure in the York 22m then an interception from Angus Barrick, he looks clear with 75m to go after crossing half way there are doubts in his mind he starts to look for support, if he had backed himself he would have made it, almost there he is tackled just short Jonty Atkinson is on hand to go over in the corner, the try is disallowed after the referee consults with the York touch judge. Two players leave the field after a head clash, Joe Simpson with a knee injury and Ollie Lightfoot for an HIA, the resulting penalty for York is converted by Harry Shackleton. Half time York 15 - Cleckheaton 15

Shane Goulding replacing Joe Simpson and Eddie Westerby replacing Lewis Jackson. Early in the second half York are on the attack on the opposition 5m line a penalty we are now treated to a Toby Atkin special tap and go but he is checked close to the line, from the resulting melee that unsung hero Eddie Westerby emerges to score from close range. This week Toby is our Danny Care and Harry Shackleton converts. The York Skipper is now driving his troops forward and leading by example. Both teams now are making changes, Andre Robson comes on for Jonty Atkinson on the right wing.

York’s superior fitness is beginning to show, scrums are now moving forward and ball wins against the head, penalties awarded. York again find an attacking position on the Cleckheaton’s 5m line another penalty and this time Toby Atkin requires no assistance he taps and goes to score the try, for Harry Shackleton to convert. York 29 - Cleckheaton 15 after 60 minutes. Another injury for York and Joe Maud limps off the field with what looks like an ankle injury, this brings on Lewis Jackson at hooker and Ben Mills into the back row. Now Shane Goulding is carrying hard and taking the ball forward and making his presence felt. Another powerful scrum and Harry Shackleton uses the blindside then a delicate grubber kick sees the ball into the dead ball area for Mitch Ashman to dot down for the try, the conversion this time is wide, York now secured the win and the maximum points. York 34- Cleckheaton 15. We think it is all over but there is a sting in the tail, Jack Marshall receives the ball on the left wing, he has real pace and cuts inside on the York 22m he is then untouched to score under the posts the try is converted by Dale Breakwell. Result York 34 - Cleckheaton 22

Cleckheaton certainly tested the high flying York and the bonus point win was well received, with the Christmas break to enjoy, we hope to repair our injuries and come out fighting for the second half of the season.