The Falcons recorded back to back wins with a 17-7 victory over local rivals Cleckheaton. The wet weather and the referee’s whistle never really let the game flow but despite this the team ground out the win three tries to one.
Huddersfield had the best of the opening 20 minutes. Bob Sykes had an immense game and carried hard throughout. After one of his half breaks, sustained pressure on the Cleck line resulted in a 5 metre scrum. Harry Delantey Granger darted over from the base of the scrum. Scrimshaw missed the conversion.
5-0 after ten minutes.
Further pressure from Field continued with Thomas Van Rooyen carrying hard and making yard after yard. Cleck were creaking and it looked like the flood gates would open. However dropped passes and the refs whistle kept Cleck in the game.
On the half hour mark a break up the centre and the ball was recycled wide. A lovely try scored out wide by Alex Molyneux briefly lit up the afternoon. The ref awarded the try and Scrimshaw lined up the conversion. However the Referee then changed his mind and the try was disallowed for an alleged knock on.
Huddersfield kept the pressure on and a penalty ensued. Quick thinking by Captain Darren Neilly saw him take a quick tap and whipped the ball out wide. TVR crashed over.
Scrimshaw missed the conversion
10-0 field
The second half saw Cleck with much more of the ball. Though not pretty their ‘10 man rugby’ saw them retain possession and challenge the Huddersfield defence. Darren Neilly and Bob Sykes led the confrontational defence well. Alex Molyneaux and Scrimshaw perhaps getting cold with the lack of ball got involved in the ruck defence and knocked back the Cleck forwards.
Eventually Clecks direct play saw a try duly converted
10-7 field
The character of this Falcons team was then tested. The game degenerated slightly. A yellow card for Josh Malkinson for alleged high tackle and hands in the ruck saw field to 14. A shot to the head on Captain Neilly saw a Cleck player carded. Tony Stringwell yellow carded for early engagement at the scrum.
It would have been easy to lose composure and let Cleck back in the game however this Falcons side has heart, grit and pride in the shirt. The defence held.
Eventually a rare foray into the Cleck half saw TVR charge through the Cleck back line and bundle over near the posts.
Scrimshaw converted
17-7 field and the game was done.
A deserved victory in some difficult conditions against a dogged side.
