Two late tries not enough for Cleck

11:00am Sunday 23rd November 2008

Darlington 17, Cleckheaton 20

Two late tries almost saved the day for much-changed Cleckheaton in their second-round EDF Energy Intermediate Cup tie yesterday.

Darlington took the lead in the 17th minute when full back Nick Baldwin kicked a penalty.

Both sides made errors in the freezing conditions but Cleckheaton took heart just before the break when Ben Wade powered over for a try which Ross Hayden converted.

The first 15 minutes of the second half proved to be Cleckheaton’s undoing.

Three tries for Darlington, two from pacy winger Adam Kibirige and one from fly half Henry Carver, one of which was converted by Carver, put them in the driving seat.

Two late tries from Andrew Piper and Ross Hayden failed to ensure victory and Cleckheaton can now concentrate on improving their North Division One league position, starting with another visit to Darlington next Saturday.