Bircham nips in to earn Boro victory
north one east: Middlesbrough won 22-12 at Cleckheaton, who were undone by failing to secure lineout possession in the second half, coupled with the visitors’ knack of slowing down possession at rucks and mauls.
The hosts Iain Gordon kicked two penalties to one by Jack Bircham, who then intercepted and sprinted 80 metres for the game’s first try which he converted.
The second half began with a disputed yellow card for Cleckheaton’s Richard Piper and the big Boro pack took advantage to drive a maul for their second try. Gordon kicked two more penalties before Boro once more droove over for the decisive try which was converted.