We welcomed Cleckheaton to Greenwood Road at the weekend in what was described by Team Captain Elliott Husband as 'Another Cup Final'.

Cleckheaton were going to be another difficult opponent. Without talisman Richard Piper they didnt have the power they did at their place earlier in the season.

The game started off slowly. Not the pace we seen the week before against Alnwick. Billingham dominated early faucets of play before silly mistakes cost them.

However on 7 mins, a great set piece saw the ball in the hands of fly half Peter Evans who drew two players before offloading to Luke Wilson who stepped the Cleck full back to score. Jobe Roxby converted. 7-0

Cleckheaton started to find more possession but Billingham held firm. Nathan Myers and Mike Walton chopping down the big runners of Cleck. The referee however penalised Billingham in kickable range. 7-3

Despite the cold temperatures, Billingham started to warm up the crowd with some expansive rugby. However it was the forwards that got Billingham back on the front foot. Solid carries from Dan Dixon and Kieran Clark allowed Mike Walton to pick from the base and barrell over. Jobe Roxby converted. 14-3

Despite Billingham cementing their lead, Cleck didnt let it go. They showcased why they are in 4th position. Their powerful pack drove Billingham back and eventually scored. The conversion missed. 14-8.

Billinghams pack werent to be out done. A penalty to the corner saw Billingham set up a driving maul. Foley fed Evans who sent a kick cross field. The bounce of the ball fooled everyone but for the fleet footed Joe Ross to pounce to run under the posts. Jobe Roxby again converted. 21-8 (Half time)

The second half started similar to that of the first half. However Billinghams dominance was duly rewarded with two quick fire scores from Mike Walton and Luke Wilson. 33-8.

With the evening temperature dropping the game dropped in excitement which allowed Cleck to themselves back on the scoreboard not once but twice. 33-18

In fairness despite Cleck scoring, Billingham never looked like losing. Billinghams fitness and pace shone. Peter Evans directing play moving the Cleck pack around the 4g pitch. It was Anth Jackson that scored the next before the try of the game.

Another team try with the ball going through the teams hand which allowed early substitute to score out wide. 45-18.

Credit needs to be given to Cleckheaton. They were a different type of opponent. Tough, physical however Billingham showed they were capable of matching this.

DoR Peter Evans ' It was a good pleasing win. One that sets us up nicely for the remaining part of the season. We have some difficult games but so do the others around us. We need to maintain our focus. Every game we need to be in the right mindset. Thank you for all the support, home and away! We have taken some decent crowds with us to away games. It means alot to the team and to the club. From us all, Merry Christmas and heres to an exciting 2023!'

#OSIOS