Clayton travelled to Emley Moor looking to continue the recent upturn in results and secure a third win in a row. Having defeated local rivals West Bowling A and Queensbury A over the last couple of weeks and only conceding 12 points in the process, confidence was high, heading to a team who had only previously won one league game so far. Victory against Queensbury A last time out took its toll, with several players still feeling the effects from the physical derby. Despite a couple of forced changes, coach Scott Pendlebury was still able to name a strong squad, with players again missing out on selection. Upon arrival, it was established that Emley Moor only had 12 fit players available and this seemed to work in their favour initially, as Clayton struggled to set a platform in the game and perhaps thought in the the back of their minds that victory was secured without the need to build pressure. Emley Moor opened up Clayton on a number of occasions early on, before an opportunist try by quick thinking hooker Josh Lanfear seemed to settle any early nerves. A solid kicking game from both Jimmy Waddington and Dane Bairstow pinned Emley Moor in their own half for extended periods and as a result of some pressure a smart blind side scrum play set Ryan Wilkinson to free up Connor Mahoney who dived over. Emley then hit back, somehow creating an overlap and finishing well, but that again seemed to fire Clayton up. Dane Bairstow made a break and from the supporting Elliot McElroy's pass, Matt Baldwin cantered over. Another score followed from a scrum set play, fast hands seeing Matt Baldwin put the replacement three quarter Jake Patchett over before Jimmy Waddington scored a fantastic individual try, following up his own kick through to score under the sticks. The half time score read 28-6, which flattered Clayton somewhat given the brave efforts of Emley Moor. Playing uphill in the second half, Clayton knew they had to hold firm initially, to snuff out any hope of a comeback the home side harboured. The first 20 minutes were a stalemate, neither side able to complete a set of six at times and Emley were looking the more dangerous. They did get a score, from what looked like a clear knock on, however with it, they had hope of a comeback at 28-10. That setback again seemed to fire Clayton up, as they hit back immediately, fast hands through the back line saw Baldwin put Jake Patchett sprinting to the line. He showed great pace, to finish well in the corner despite several would be tacklers attempting to cover across. David Harrison then produced a great tackle from an Emley scrum, forcing the ball free, picking up before finding the try line. The final act was for Jake Patchett to complete his treble, again Clayton utilised an overlap well, great hands from David Harrison and Matt Baldwin freed up Patchett, who bounced through the full back to touch down under the posts. Victory was secured, but Emley Moor must take great credit for a tremendous showing, at times defying the fact they only had 12 men. If they can put out a full compliment sooner rather than later, they will certainly be tough opposition to face. Clayton headed home with the points, despite not quite reaching the heights of the last two weeks, they had secured a third win on the spin and have now only conceded 22 points across the last 3 games. Next up, they return home to play Newsome Panthers next Saturday with a 2pm kick off.