When Cleckheaton arrived they had more than a dozen committee men wearing their equally loud red black and white striped blazers you almost needed shades in the club house.
After a number of setbacks and delays Billingham have at last been given 13th March as the start date for the installation of their RFU G4 all-weather pitch. The pitch will not be completed for use this season, but will be ready for next preseason.
The weather conditions were awful for the match with gale force winds and driving rain. Billingham kicked off with the wind and rain at their backs but it was Cleckheaton who controlled the ball using their big pack to drive the play to Billingham.
Midway through the first half Billingham took a quick line out throw to release the full back who out stripped the defence to score a converted try. Cleckheaton continued to play their forwards game and were rewarded when their number eight crashed over for a converted try just before half time.
The second was dominated by Cleckheaton. Billingham pinned back in their own twenty two and trying to break out using the pace of their backs, but with the weather conditions and a slippery ball handling error made this difficult.
Cleckheaton added a drop goal, penalty and three further converted tries to run out 27 – 7 winners.
Sunday
Durham U18 V Nortumberland U18 at West Hartlepool.
Durham ran out winners 22 – 10 in a very well contested match which produced some good rugby despite the strong wind and rain throughout the match.
The Watt, Davies cup was presented to the victorious Durham captain by Brian Watt prior to the post match meal.
Thanks go to West Hartlepool staff and volunteers who made the match possible and provided excellent hospitality.
No Willers Wanderings for a couple of weeks as I am off to the Far East to re-charge my batteries for the nexr round of visits.