Queensbury A (H)

Clayton overcame the challenge from local rivals Queensbury A with flying colours, to secure back to back home victories against their two closest neighbours. Fresh from convincingly seeing off West Bowling A, Clayton were in confident mood ahead of the clash, but they knew the challenge Queensbury possessed was likely to be far stronger. Having suffered one sided defeats to their neighbours in recent years, Clayton needed no motivation beforehand to set the record straight. Coach Scott Pendlebury was able to name a strong looking squad for the second week running, with several players again missing out on selection. The opening exchanges were similar to last week, hard fought with no inch given by either side. Clayton went close twice, Oliver McElroy brilliantly held up by his opposite number when looking a certain scorer and Ryan Wilkinson just failing to get on the end of Jimmy Waddington's neat kick through. Clayton's pack were beginning to make strides and a brilliant score broke the deadlock. Danny Murgatroyd bust through a couple of would be tacklers before offloading to Phil Redgrave, who brushed past further defenders before brilliantly finding the supporting Jimmy Waddington who sprinted away to increase his lead in the try scoring charts. A further score followed after further pressure. Jimmy Waddington, whose kicking game caused problems throughout, high hanging kick was not dealt with by the defence and Matt Baldwin did the rest, scoring from 10 metres out. The second score was made all the more impressive given the fact Clayton had been reduced to 12 men after Paul Crossley was sent to the sin bin for speaking out of turn. Crossley made an immediate impact on his return, crashing over on a short side play and despite Ryan Wilkinson's kick looking good for a third conversation, Clayton's linesman David Harrison did not agree and the score remained 16-0. Queensbury then had a period of prolonged pressure and despite excellent defence initially keeping them at bay, the ball was shipped right to left quickly, Clayton did not quite get the cover across fast enough and they crossed in the far corner. A few hard hits and scuffles later, the half time whistle sounded, reading 16-6. Clayton knew they had done half a job well and the instructions were to carry on in the same vein, lifting the intensity back to where it was for the first 30 minutes, knowing the first score was vital. Again the second half began in the same manner, crashing defence from Clayton restricting Queensbury's field position. Clayton's forwards were making big inroads and really stood up to the challenge in front of them. After a scoreless first quarter, Clayton got the crucial try the determined effort they put in deserved. Danny Murgatroyd again caused havoc in midfield, busting through would be tacklers at will, before finding the supporting Matt Baldwin on his shoulder to touch down over the whitewash. Clayton knew the importance of this score and as a result, seemed to settle down and gain complete control of the game. Soon after, Phil Redgrave got a deserved score, smartly crashing over from acting half to the delight of his team mates and Ryan Wilkinson improved his success rate to 4 from 5. The remainder of the game was all about crashing defence and despite endless pressure at times from the Queensbury side, Clayton held firm, stubbornly refusing to concede. Clayton can reflect on a comfortable victory, built on the back of a commanding performance from their pack, knowing that they are back on track in the league after a slight wobble against Brighouse. Victory was celebrated in style, knowing they had defeated a strong outfit who are likely to be challenging come the end of the season. Confidence is high within the squad, ahead of the next fixture, back on the road against Emley Moor.