Not so Happy Valley

After a nailbiting game at Halifax the 1sts XV were just pipped by the home side 35-30 in the Papa Johns Cup.
A massive shift put in by the squad, in a highly physical game. The home team were a big set and it looked ominous when they drove over from a lineout after a couple of minutes play.
But a penalty by Jack Stanley and a converted Will Tattersall try put the maroons in front.
Halifax struck back and the sides exchanged penalties to go 13-13 at the interval.
Halifax scored again just after the restart, then again after a kick through was not dealt with and suddenly it was 25-13.
Clitheroe refused to buckle and after a flurry of yellow cards for the hosts, skipper Nick Roberts was over under the posts. Stanley converted and at 25-20 Clitheroe were resurgent.
The home side stretched the lead again to ten ,[30-20] but Clitheroe kept in touch with a well taken Matt Bleasdale try. 30-25. The maroons were on a roll and when Wayne Tierney crashed over to level the scores with five minutes to go, [30-30], thoughts of extra time surfaced.
However it was not to be, as Halifax delivered the coup de grace with a try to seal it [35-30]. Time ran out as the maroons threw everything at it.
Massive disappointment at the final result, but tremendous pride for everyone in maroon and gold. The commitment was 100% with no backward steps.
Thanks to Halifax RUFC for the game, excellent hosts, and good luck in the next round.
It has been an excellent season for the 1st XV, winning Div 4 and on this performance alone, shows the lads can compete in the higher Division next season.