Clitheroe 1st XV 55 Liverpool St. Helens 14

Clitheroe welcomed Liverpool St. Helens to Littlemoor, eager to bounce back after last weekends defeat at Penrith. Clitheroe welcomed Joe Hopkins back to the side for his first competitive start of the season and debutant Tom Houldsworth on the right wing.

Clitheroe started the better, having the best of the opening exchanges and enjoying controlled possession. After six minutes, some swift interplay between backs and forwards, Joe Hopkins broke into open field on the left hand side, beating the full back and raced clear for the first try of the match. Nathan Peel missed the conversion. Score 5-0.

LSH replied well and had a good spell of possession, coming close to scoring on a few occasions, but Clitheroe's defence stood firm. Clitheroe broke clear and progressed up field and after 21 mins got a penalty which Nathan Peel kicked. Score 8-0.

From the restart Clitheroe worked hard to retain possession and defended well. On 28 minutes good work from the backs, fullback Kino forced his way over for a try, which Nathan Peel converted. Score 15-0.

On 30 minutes the Clitheroe back line broke loose freeing up space for Tom Houldsworth in debut to run 55 meters beating 2 players to score under the posts. Nathan Peel converted. Score 22-0.

LSH started the second half well, enjoying possession and capitalising on Clitheroe's mistakes at the ruck and errors in exit strategy from scrummage on their own line. They scored two convert tries on 53 mins and 61 mins, playing some good rugby. Score 22-14.

Skipper, Will Dickenson rallied his team to respond, after the visitors impressive start to the second half. After repeated infringements close to the line a series of quick penalties enable Will Dickenson to drive over for a score. Nathan Peel converted. Score 29-14.

This was the catalyst for Clitheroe to cut loose. As the visitors tired and Clitheroe refreshed the side from the bench, further four tries (Chris Stewart, Rick Slinger, Edward Bicky Dickinson, Peel) and three conversions (Nathan Peel x2, Rick Slinger) were scored.

The match finished 55-14 with Clitheroe demonstrating their improved fitness again allowing them to score points late in matches.