1sts Record Second Victory

On their first home outing of the season, Clitheroe's senior rugby team maintained the form that has seen them undefeated on their own paddock for exactly one year.

A glorious day greeted the teams – the polar opposite of the rain lashed opening weekend, plus with a firm pitch the scene was set for an open game.

The teams did little to disappoint the expectant crowd, with the maroons up to their usual trick of giving the opposition a head start before finishing powerfully.

It was in fact Clitheroe who got the scoreboard moving initially with a penalty from Nathan Peel after only 10 minutes.

It only stirred Tarleton into action. The youthful looking side had plenty of gas on the wide outside and couner attacking after a wayward clearance kick, they were over for a converted try, shortly followed by a penalty kick and suddenly Clitheroe were 3-10 in arrears and showing a bit of unsteadiness.

As the half drew on the town team began to find their feet. Some early set piece problems were ironed out and they began to assert themselves territoriality.

Opportunities initially went begging but eventually the ball found its way out to wing man James Dickinson who showed good balance to scoot home for a try. The conversion just slid wide and Clitheroe were still adrift at the interval. 8-10

No panic in the half time huddle, just a few technical adjustments and they knew that a big start to the second period would give them the impetus for further scores.

Unfortunately Tarleton had not read the script and scored a penalty to extend their lead even further.

Again no panic in the ranks, even though there was a slight nervousness on the touchline amongst the faithful.

The maroon & golds soon dispelled any anxiety as they began to hit their straps and take the game by the scruff of the proverbial jersey.

Clitheroe began to camp down at the clubhouse end of the pitch and after a protracted forward onslaught from close range it was lock forward Ross Chamberlain who bulldozed over. Peel on hand with the extras and Clitheroe took the lead in the game.

A couple of substitutions only increased the available firepower; after a decent showing Dave Seed made way for Joe Weld-Blundell in the backs. Débutante Harry Bailey was unleashed and brought increased dynamism to the pack.

Indeed only moments later the slight figure of Weld-Blundell was scything through the defence to score under the sticks. Golden boots Peel [pictured] obliged again and now Clitheroe were in control.

A siege on the Tarleton line saw the ball twice over the line seemingly for a try, but the unsighted ref could not award the points.

Eventually they were rewarded for their endeavours when No 8 Sam Thornber capped a sound game by getting over the whitewash. Peel did the business to wrap up an excellent afternoons work.

A satisfying, but far from perfect victory for Clitheroe who must find a solution to their slow starting malaise to avoid mishaps in the future.

But that apart, good performances from Chris Stewart in the back line - constantly asking questions of the defence, and Lewis Hardman in the pack – unpicking the opposition line outs efficiently

Plenty of areas to work on on the training paddock to continue the upward curve, but all in all a solid start to the 40th season for the town team