Cleckheaton pull off comeback to end long wait for a victory

The clubs were meeting for the first time and it was the hosts who took the honours with a closely fought 13-12 success in the Regional Two North East.

It was their first victory since November, 2025 and represented a strong comeback after Wetherby opened up a 12-0 lead in the first half.

Cleckheaton came into the contest after defeats in their first four games of the season following relegation, but all their matches had come against the current top four in the division.

A meeting with a Wetherby side that had only won one of their opening games gave the Moorenders a chance to improve on their previous record and they took it thanks to a spirited effort.

They had key player Niall Jackson back after he had missed the previous two matches, while Joe Flanagan made a long awaited return at flanker.

Conditions were always going to make it difficult for both teams with expansive rugby a tough prospect in the driving rain and high wind and line-outs something of a lottery.

The early exchanges were evenly fought before Wetherby prop Woodworth burst through the defensive line and made almost 50 metres. He lost the ball after centre Rory Woollett tracked back to defend, but the referee ruled that the tackle had been high and awarded a penalty try, which was converted.

Woollett was also sin-binned to compound Cleck’s disappointment and they fell further behind on 20 minutes when the visitors opted to kick for touch from a penalty then completed a catch and drive move for a second try, this time no conversion following.

Back to their full number, the hosts came back into the game with the front row working hard in the testing conditions.

They were unable to turn pressure into points until just before the break as Wetherby had a player yellow carded after persistent infringements and the resulting penalty saw Dale Breakwell send the ball between the posts for a goal that made it 12-3 at the break.

Cleckheaton worked hard to have the better possession in the second half and Jack Marshall evaded several tacklers for a fine score. With Dale Breakwell tagging on the extras they were only two points behind.

It was still 12-10 going into the last 10 minutes when Dale Breakwell was unable to slot over a drop-goal attempt. He was on target with a penalty, however, eight minutes from time and the hosts had grabbed the lead.

They now had to hold on, but did so comfortably for a morale-boosting victory and welcome change of fortune.

Cleckheaton travel to Bradford Salem this Saturday.