Clitheroe feel the Carnforth force at Littlemoor

Old friends and rivals Carnforth were the most welcome of visitors to Littlemoor, but the hosts were far too charitable, gifting them three unanswered tries. With this the final in a three 'test' series over the course of this season, it was nicely balanced at one win apiece. But it was Carnforth who played the more consistent rugby. their pack was well drilled and largely on top at scrum time, leaving the potential of Clitheroe's three-quarter line mostly unfulfilled.
Clitheroe were soon up against it, the Carnforth pack pegging the home side back with some punishing drives, it was no real surprise when they rumbled over for their opening score. Their second was a lack of concentration, communication and commitment in defence, when the Carnforth hooker burst through a static defensive line and had enough speed to see off the cover for the try.
After a dressing down at half time, instead of coming out firing, Clitheroe almost hit the self distruct button; slow ball from a ruck led to a charged down kick and suddenly the town team were 19-0 down. But now at last Clitheroe began to play like they know they can. The pack got the bit between their teeth and made good ground with a driving maul. From the resulting melee it was back rower Simon Cowgill who claimed the touch down. Carnforth however were stung into action by this and their chubby stand off bounced off a couple of tackles to put them further ahead. At least Clitheroe finished strongly, when from a line 10 metres out, a classic catch and drive, saw Ed Thornber in for the score.
If Clitheroe are to start realising their undoubted potential they'll have to play for a full 80 minutes not just in fits and starts. This Sat Clitheroe travel to Thornton Cleveleys, whilst the 2ndXV entertain Tyldsley at Littlemoor [ko 2.30]