League Rugby Back at Littlemoor

League rugby back at Littlemoor.

Yes you read that sentence correctly; not since back in February 2020 has there been a fully fledged league encounter on the ‘hallowed turf.’

The fact that we’d been made to wait was, well... almost worth the months of lockdown - to see the Clubhouse buzzing and the lads out on the pitch once more.

A lot has changed during this time; players in – players out, but still the maroon & gold jersey proudly worn.

This new look Clitheroe team is finally beginning to find its feet and it is clear that training together is paying off.

After a weeks worth of rain and a monsoon of biblical proportions forecast for 2.15pm, suddenly the clouds parted and we were off and running.

North Manchester, our visitors, are a well known quantity to Clitheroe observers over the years, and this time they seemed to be sporting the usual big pack aided by some youthful looking tricky three-quarters.

Both teams started steadily, with the maroons playing down the slope. After a bit of to and fro-ing Clitheroe camped down in opposition territory. A few close quarter rumbles from the super tankers were initially repelled but then prop forward Josh Burns got a head of steam up to crash over in fine front row style from at least 5 metres out.

The luckless Pete Shorthouse limped off after 20 minutes to be replaced by Chris Waddington in the back row.

The decent sized crowd, buoyed by the score, now wanted more. However it was not to be, as the rest of the half remained frustratingly scoreless.
As much as they endeavored, there seemed to be an inability to maintain pressure – whether by territory or possession – for any length of time. Too often promising situations came to naught.

At the half time oranges, some strong words must have said as the home team came out with a far more positive attitude.

Some strong defence turned into attack in midfield created loose ball, followed up by some excellent inter passing in the centre of the pitch.
Following up scrum half Nathon Burns seemed to be tacked short. But he stayed on his feet and showing some strong leg drive he powered over under the posts.
Adrian Davies converted - and 5 minutes into the second half Clitheroe had doubled their score.

Now Clitheroe seemed to be motoring. The pack who were on top at scrum time gave the Manchester eight a torrid time. Front rowers Josh Burns , Will Dickenson and Tom Walton were handing out the air miles coupons all afternoon.
With the foundations in place it was no surprise that Clitheroe were next on the score board.

A lovely sweeping play created the territorial position and some good support play from the pack saw another new man , lock forward Wayne Tierney twist and wriggle and bundle over. Nathon Burns with the extras this time and 21-0 up with the prospect of more to come.

It didn’t just go according to plan as fair play to Manchester, they rallied and grabbed a converted try back.

Clitheroe kept on pressing and several players went close . Wing men; Jack Nadin and Oscar Duck-Brookes, both had strong runs making good yardage every time.
James Cathcart was a steadying influence at 13 and chose his options well, putting the man in space away unselfishly.

It took till the 76th minute for Clitheroe to score again. After a Manc attack was snuffed out on the half way line, with Walton and Waddington in the van, the ball was hacked on and Matt Bleasdale scooped it up. Still with a bit to do, he dodged around a few would be tacklers, and with screams of encouragement from a certain section of the crowd, was in for a fine try. Davies converted the extras.

All in all a good solid ‘W’ and several players showed signs of returning to form; Will Tattersall in the centre is coming back to his best in spite of approaching almost veteran status. The back row trio looks well balanced with Waddington at 7 learning his craft well along side Harry Barrett who was a rumbustious presence at 6 with the skipper James Dickinson at 8, having an effective game from the base. A nice cameo for replacements; Rick Slinger at flank and another newbie Nick Roberts in the backs.
A good day at the office for the Burns brothers also. New to the game but improving with each outing.

The potential is there for all to see. They’ll be plenty of ups and downs on the road but with the correct attitude, it would be criminal if the squad did not have a successful season ahead.