Cleckheaton secure trophy win over local rivals Brods

Cleckheaton earned the derby bragging rights and clinched the Fred Scott Trophy with a 33-0 victory over local rivals Old Brods on Boxing Day.
Double Delight: Matt Piper scored a brace of tries as Cleckheaton won their Fred Scott Trophy clash against Old Brods on Boxing Day.Double Delight: Matt Piper scored a brace of tries as Cleckheaton won their Fred Scott Trophy clash against Old Brods on Boxing Day.
Double Delight: Matt Piper scored a brace of tries as Cleckheaton won their Fred Scott Trophy clash against Old Brods on Boxing Day.

Moorend meant the game was switched to Hipperholme and social media played a crucial role in letting spectators know of the late change and ensured a large crowd gathered at Woodhead.

Cleckheaton had the benefit of the slope in the first half but were slow out of the stalls.

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As fragile bodies became accustomed to contact slowly but surely the game began to take shape.

Brods were very competitive in the forward exchanges and it was obvious that they were not going to be intimidated by the visitors’ league record.

The first score came from a line out where the the ball was expertly driven to the line for a try scored by Andy Piper.

Ross Hayden failed to convert but he was successful with his second effort following a similar try scored by skipper Richard Piper.

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In the second half Cleckheaton clicked into gear and co-ordinated forward drives and solid set piece possession enabled the backs to exploit the space created to score three further tries.

Matt Piper crossed in the 51st minute following a period of sustained pressure. Hayden converted and ten minutes later added the extras to the best try of the match when Iain Gordon, guesting for his former team following his move to London, produced a perfectly weighted cross kick for winger Craig Blackburn to gather on the full and sprint over for an excellent try.

Matt Piper completed the scoring in the 73rd minute with his second try to cap a dominant performance and Hayden converted once again showing his all round footballing skills.

Much credit must go to both sides, the referee, the Old Brodleians club and both coaches for the game to go ahead at all following a last minute switch of venues.

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All parties obviously wanted to play and the spirit of rugby prevailed.

The grateful crowd were treated with a competitive match between two sides desperate to win.

This was also a much needed run-out as Cleck enter a critical period in their hitherto successful league season and the traditional festive clash allowed them to continue their winning momentum.

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