Clitheroe 1st XV 30 Thornton and Cleveleys 2nd XV 5

A great effort by Phil Isherwood and a band of budding volunteers somehow managed to make the Littlemoor pitch playable, for the visit of a good Thornton side. Earlier in the season, Thornton on their own ground had given tough resistance, so the Clitheroe side expected big challenge.

Both sides started well, with the pitch getting the better of the players trying to play open rugby. There was a lot of uncharacteristic kicking in the opening exchanges as both teams struggled to make progress against stern defences on a heavy pitch. After 26 minutes, both sides had cancelled each other out, but Clitheroe were in the ascendency, putting more phases of play together. Tough carries, by the front row and quick rucking eventually lead to an infringement at the ruck by Thornton. A penalty chance within range was converted by the evergreen Nathan Peel. A similar opportunity presented itself on 32 minutes, which was again converted by Nathan Peel. On 36 minutes, Clitheroe put together 5 phases of play. Good handling and interplay released the outside backs and Mike Floyd unselfishly passed inside to Nathan Peel to score the opening try of the game.

The message at half-time was clear, it was not a day for forcing the passes and keeping the ball was important if a score was going to be built. Thornton were providing a stiff challenge and had some very good ball carrying forwards and were capable of putting the phases of play together.

Clitheroe started the 2nd half well. On 52 minutes a try from Mike Floyd was as a result of Clitheroe going through many phases of play, retaining possession and executing well in the outside channels at the right time. Every player was involved a a superb team try. Edward Dickenson added another try on 56 minutes after some good team play and a neat inside break. Nathan Peel added the conversion.

Thornton did not lie down and came back strongly at the Clitheroe side and eventually scored a try of their own on 61 minutes with a cleverly worked tap penalty close to the Clitheroe line.

The best individual try was saved until last, as James Pate burst onto a short pass and galloped 25 meters for a superb try. Nathan Peel added the conversion.

The last 10 minutes were played out by two very tired teams, who had play very well in very heavy ground conditions.

In the end a hard fought victory, 30-5 for the Clitheroe team against a valiant Thornton team who tried very hard.

Next week an away fixture at Carnforth awaits the 1XV.