Gritty Win on the Road

Clitheroe grafted an important win on the road down at Birchfield on Saturday; four tries to two penalties told the tale of Clitheroe eventual dominance. All the while playing a man down for two thirds of the game.

Having sportingly allowed the home team to don their new strip on their sponsors day - which was all to similar to the Clitheroe maroon & gold - Clitheroe started in good fettle, but were met with what can only be described as robust defence. It is deepest Rugby League country, so to be expected? Evidently the memo from RFU HQ regarding tackle height didn't make it to this part of the country.

Soon the home team slotted an early penalty and were looking strong in the carry and pop pass. It took a little while for Clitheroe to get into gear but after a period of time in the 'red zone' inching closer to the line, it was prop Josh Burns burrowing like a giant mole for the whitewash to open the visitors account.

No conversion but Clitheroe were seemingly gaining the upper hand. That was until the referee gave James Dickinson his marching orders. The reason was a little unclear but seemed fairly innocuous especially in the context of the game.
However slightly rocked they managed to see out the half to regroup. [3-5]

Birch came out firing in the second period and a penalty gave them the lead. But after they had a man in the sin bin Clitheroe turned up the heat and were soon over gain. Smaller brother Nathon Burns scampering over and converting his own score.

As the game progressed Clitheroe exerted more control and although not playing with the fluidity the sizable travelling support may have wished for; there was no shortage of endeavor.

After some good defence work down the left wing, a loose ball was hacked through by Neil Baggett. In a race for the try line he out ran the desperate cover to score in the corner.

In the final stages Clitheroe kept pressing and some good interplay with James Cathcart, Joe Aspin and Oscar Duck heavily involved saw Ben Wheale cap his comeback with a well taken try under heavy pressure.

Nathon Burns converted to wrap it up and Clitheroe bagged the points.

Some standout performances from Tom Walton, Pete Mitchell and Sam Thornber in the pack. The back line was solid ; with Jack Stanley growing into the outside half role, Baggett and skipper Nick Roberts are stonewall in defence and with the like of the two Matts - Mason and Bleasdale covering the outside channels there is plenty of competition for places.
Star player was Josh Burns; like a relentless baby elephant on the charge and solid in the set scrums. Also we have yet to hear him speak out loud.

So top of the table and 5 from 5 wins. Just above Burnley and Ashton. There to be shot at. Exciting times.

Blackpool at home this week. 3pm Join us for more of the same, we hope.