Billingham are back in action and on the road again… this time away at Cleckheaton.

Cleckheaton are a team we are familiar with having played them 6 times between 2014-2017

Cleckheaton first formed a rugby club in 1888 and are based in West Yorkshire. The notable players are John Bentley, Roger Pickering and Jeff Butterfield. An established outfit who finished 4th in 2021-22 and were subsequently promoted from North One East.

Cleckheaton have justified their position in the National league with 2 wins. Cleckheaton have beaten Scunthorpe (22-26), West Bridgford 45-11. Their sole loss came away at York 33-26.

Cleck have always had a reputation of being a big dominating side however they have also shown a different side of them as they can also score tries! Headed by skipper Richard Piper, who himself has a reputation of being a powerful running number 8 from his days in the higher leagues.

Billingham will need to be at their best, They will need to put the defeat against Alnwick behind them, It was a definite pain point and lessons need to be learnt. The good things is we have the player calibre to do so and have the capability of putting in a strong performance.

The downside is injuries… Joe Ross is out with a broken thumb from the West Bridgford game. Leon Turnbull (hand) and Luke Armstrong (lower leg) is doubtful. Luke Wilson is unavailable as is Mike Whinn. On the plus side it gives opportunities to others who have been impressing.

We need to build again and go again! A win on the road is needed

#OSIOS