Cleckheaton U14’s V Barnsley U14’s
28th October 2012

Cleckheaton 50 – Barnsley 0

The team back on form!

It was a cold and damp morning at the Pavilion, with both sides unable to turn out a full team, they were both in agreement to play 13 players.

Don’t know whether the U14’s had all had an extra Weetabix for breakfast but from the first whistle they were all straight on top of the ball, passing brilliantly down the full line from Smith down to Allen who, with a long run down the pitch he quickly scored the first try for the home team, brilliantly converted by Clifford.

The first half continued with fast pace from Cleckheaton, some great tackles from Parkin and Burns, winning back the ball from Barnsley, Allen again breaking free thanks to great a tackle from Birkett. A scrum to Barnsley won by Cleckheaton, T Ford getting the ball quickly to Allen, but tackled well by Barnsley, Etchells picked up the ball, powered over the line for the U14s second try and again converted by Clifford.

Barnsley came back forcing the ball deep into their half but soon found themselves up against Parkin, Etchells and Burns, Seddon quickly retrieved the ball passing to B Ford, pushing on to McCarthey who got in a great run before he passed back to Bamford, then on to Walker, finding Allen to his right who went over the line for his second try with the next conversion from Clifford

Before the whistle blew for half time the U14’s quickly came on to attack again with a great run from Seddon who had to be chased down by Barnsley who snatched the ball but under pressure from Cleck, they tried to kick the ball clear from the line but it was blocked by Allen which was quickly scooped up by Birkett and over the line he went with a big grin! Followed by Clifford’s fourth conversion.

Half time: Cleckheaton 28-0 Barnsley

Obviously still powered by their Weetabix, Cleckheaton came out from half time fast and furious, with Smith and Bamford getting the ball forward quickly, defended well by Barnsley, however Etchells took the ball and dived through the visitors to get his second try of the game. (no conversion).

Barnsley seemed to come alive with some good attacking again and threatened the home side near their try line, but with great tackling from T Ford, McCarthey and Parkin, the home side weren’t prepared to let the ball go over the line. It was the Barnsley scrum when Bamford hooked the ball to B Ford, passed quickly to Allen who powered forward with a great run, followed quickly by Walker who was there to receive the ball nicely and dodged the defence of Barnsley well to get over the line for Clecks sixth try, and Clifford’s 5th conversion.

And so it continued for Cleckheaton with Seddon getting in a brilliant run of almost a third of the pitch only to be caught right at the corner flag, the line out was taken well as Clifford intercepted to Allen for his hat trick. (no conversion). With more great team play from the whole of the U14’s, both in attack and defence, they all contributed towards Allen’s fourth try of the day and Cleckheatons final of the game (not converted).

It was a great boost for the team, coaches and the supporters, watching a great game and getting an extra hour in bed!!