Try time for Cleckheaton in their battling display against Ilkley. Picture: Bruce FitzgeraldTry time for Cleckheaton in their battling display against Ilkley. Picture: Bruce Fitzgerald
Try time for Cleckheaton in their battling display against Ilkley. Picture: Bruce Fitzgerald

PICTURE SPECIAL: 10 action shots from Cleckheaton RUFC's thrilling game against Ilkley

Cleckheaton RUFC fell just short in a thrilling fightback from 21-0 down as they got within four points of promotion-chasing Ilkley at Moorend - and photographer Bruce Fitzgerald captured the action

The 21-17 defeat was a blow to Cleckheaton's hopes of promotion from North One East, but they could take plenty of positives from a superb second half display in which they gave an Ilkley side that has lost only twice this season a real scare.

Tries from Mike Hayward, Josh Plunkett and Jack Marshall had the visitors scrambling to hold on at the finish after they had opened up a 21-0 lead four minutes into the second half.

In the end it was just two missed conversion attempts that proved a slim difference between the teams.

For a full report see this week's edition of the Spenborough Guardian, but here's a look at some action pictures from a cracking game at Moorend.