Splendid 'W' For Maroons

Excitement was high for the trip to the league leaders on Saturday; old friends Garstang RFC have been the pace setters all season and Clitheroe were keen to avenge the 14-26 reverse at Silcock Park back in December. That game was closely fought but the visitors pounced on any errors and were more clinical in their finishing.

After a wet few weeks and Garstang having to relocate last week to Hoppers AGP, it was a treat that the weather gods had got their act together for play to go ahead at the lovely Hudson Park ground in Garstang. Pitch fairly firm and well grassed and that thing called the sun had even come out to great the teams.

The first 20 minutes was fairly even with both sides trying to exert dominance and the two defences canceled each other out. Unfortunately a nasty head knock to Garstang’s midfield general occurred – our physio Kate won the sprint to attend, thanks Kate -we wish him a speedy recovery.

Clitheroe drew first blood with a nicely taken penalty from Nathon Burns, to settle the nerves. [0-3]
Clitheroes defence was strong and organised throughout and after half an hour a loose kick was fielded by full back Connor Fletcher well in his own half. He countered well and the ball was recycled on half way. Quick hand to the right aw Matt Mason put the lurking Oscar Duck away. He forged on down the wing and cut inside only to be brought down 5 metres out. On his elbow was Ed Sinclair to take the pass and score under the sticks. Burns converted what was a great team try. [0-10].

No further scores in the half but confidence was growing the maroon and gold ranks.
What was said in the inner sanctum of the half time huddle is only known to the select few; but it must have been inspiring stuff.

Garstang kicked off the half – Duck caught and fed the rampaging Jonny Walter. Like a demented Forrest Gump he went on...and on, until felled on the 22. Good hands through backs then put Nick Roberts over near the left touchline. A brilliant conversion from Burns from wide out and suddenly it was 0-17.

More was to come. As Garstang attacked again Clitheroes defence was up to the task. Although stretched at times the covering scramble defence was awesome.
As Garstang attacked midfield in the maroon half a strong tackle sent a pass ballooning up . Onto it like a flash was Nick Roberts, again, who sprinted past the helpless cover for 50 metres to drive a hammer into the opposition hearts. Burns on target with extras and 0-24 score was more than the traveling support could of hoped for.

After the hour mark Garstang pressed again but Clitheroe pinched a ball at a breakdown and ended up with a penalty 5 metres out. Eschewing the kick they chose to tapand go. A couple of thrusts by the supertankers Tom Walton and Josh Burns and once again some good hands in the back line, put Connor Fletcher over in the corner. No extras this time but Clitheroe were good value for the 0-29 scoreline.

Garstang to their credit kept plugging away and eventually found space out wide for what was a consolation score with 8 minutes to go [5-29]

But Clitheroe were not completely done; another Burns penalty wrapped up proceeding with just minutes to go to give a 5-32 scoreline.

A job well done, and Clitheroe were certainly not flattered by the extent of the scoreline. It was founded on defence and taking the chances when they offered themselves.
The midfield axis of Tattersall/Spencer/Roberts played well off each other. The back row of Aspin/Duck/Walter were in the thick of it all. And the donkeys did their stuff to good effect. Great to see Austin Wensley, Nick Good and Sam Cheeseman contribute well and also to see Matt Mason back in the fold after a trying time.

Clitheore remain in 4th place just 3 points behind 3rd place Bury. But Colne + N are coming up strongly with games in hand. All interesting stuff in Counties Div 3.

This week the 1st XV have Orrell at Silcock Park. 3pm ko.

*no pics this week as your photographer was away on missionary duty elsewhere in Lancashire.