WITH both sides being inactive since December 12, it was going to be interesting to see if the lay-off had changed either team's fortunes in this National Three North game at Moorend.
Back in October Chester had gained an undeserved 16-12 victory with a last-minute converted try.
Whereas they had gone on to secure a challenging third place at the enforced winter break, Cleckheaton had continued to under perform with a series of losing bonus points but only two victories.
Tom Lauriston returned last Saturday for his first game since September and Geoff Jones made a welcome second appearance of the season.
With a 10-point deficit from safety to start the new year it was not surprising that the home side began the match with real purpose and direction.
Inside three minutes Dom Castle made a telling break from loose play 30 metres out and gave a good pass to Pete Murphy, who drove over from 15 metres, taking two defenders with him.
Ross Hayden converted and Cleckheaton had made the dream start.
Chester have backs with pace and the Cleckheaton defence had to be on its toes to prevent them breaking the line. On the quarter-hour mark, Lauriston made good ground but was penalised for holding onto the ball. The resultant penalty was converted by Chester fly-half Rhys Hayes.
The visitors were looking to counter-attack at every opportunity and unfortunately Cleckheaton were giving them the chances they wanted by poor kicking in open play.
In the 24th minute Ryan Piercy won a defensive line on the home '22 but the resultant maul was overturned and back row Andy Moore, probably Chester's best player, went over for a try which was unconverted.
Hayden missed a penalty chance on the half-hour mark and eight minutes later Cleckheaton were reduced to 14 men when Lance Hamilton was sin-binned for slowing down the ball at a ruck. Hayes's resultant penalty was successful.
On the stroke of half-time Hayden reduced the arrears to just a point with a penalty and Cleckheaton were very much in a game, which was competitive and lively, despite the six-week lay-off for both sides.
Three minutes after the break Cleckheaton conceded one of many scrum offences awarded and Hayes duly responded with his third successful penalty of the afternoon. This was just what the home side didn't want but they continued to work hard.
Despite three more yellow cards, 2-1 to Chester and a missed penalty by Hayden, there were no more scores, despite a big effort to get over the line in the last minute when Joe Massarella kicked deep, chased and regained possession only for the scrambling defence to hold out. Chester held on and the Moorenders had once more failed to turn a competitive performance into a much-needed win.
The push for victories goes on. Matt Piper had a solid game at centre and Jones, Matt Burrows and Hamilton did good work in the pack.
Next up are three successive away games and the next two against the teams, West Park and West Hartlepool below in the league.
No need to stress the importance of the next few weeks.