1sts Grind it Out

Clitheroe's rugby men went 5 from 5 on saturday to maintain their position at the top of the snappily titled, Sale Sharks Div 3N.
They are in a select group of three unbeaten teams along with Penrith and Carnforth but lead on points difference. A handy place to be but there is a long way to go in this campaign and their are many bridges laced with banana skins to cross in the meantime.

Typical of these was the trip to Thornton Cleveleys, where a comfortable looking scoreline betrayed the laboured manner of the Littlemoor teams' performance.

Win ugly, they say. Exactly that and the 4 points for a win will do nicely to return to base with, and regroup and recharge for the week ahead.

Clitheroe's slow start malaise came back to haunt them; although they were first on the scoresheet with a penalty from Nathan Peel after only 10 minutes of play.

With an obdurate opposition not willing to roll over as in previous games, Clitheroe seemed out of sorts at times and struggled to gain any continuity; passes going astray far too often and many unforced errors.

With neither side seemingly able to grasp the nettle the play see-sawed around the middle part of the pitch and it was almost out of the blue when skipper Richard Few decided to stamp his mark on the game with a trademark sniping run to grab the opening try. Peel on hand with the extras to give the maroons the lead they just about deserved.

Thornton were stung into action and after some less than robust tackling they nabbed one back before the interval.

Some straight talking at the interval seemed to have some effect as Clitheroe came out brightly for the second period.
Still there was some hesitancy in their play, it was not the free flowing game they had come to to expect from the first few weeks of the season.

But with a decent return from an improved scrummage at least meant a ready supply of ball and the continuity that was lacking in the first half.

The interplay between backs and forwards began to pay dividends and when a gap opened up it was lock forward Lewis Hardman galloping through for a fine score. Peel obliged again with the extras.

A slightly messy period ensued when a bit to much back chat left them down to 14 men for 10 minutes but Clitheroe kept them out and when back up to full complement were able to settle and score again.
A good break up the left wing was well supported and went through several pairs of hands before quicksilver maestro loose forward Darren Eagle flew over to put Clitheroe more or less safe.

A try from Thornton narrowed the score line but a final penalty from Peel at the death sealed the issue.

Not a vintage performance by any means from the town team, and the celebrations at the final whistle were muted and that of relief that although only playing at half throttle still scratched out a win.