Trafford MV 2XV 20 vs Clitheroe 1XV 62

Trafford MV 2nd XV 20 Clitheroe 1st XV 62

Clitheroe travelled to Trafford MV, a side positioned at the foot of the table, who score points but never seem to get the wins. Clitheroe expected a tough encounter, just like when we have visited other teams this season. Clitheroe welcomed back captain Richard Few, after four weeks out injured.

Clitheroe started the well, but lacked intensity and turned over to much ball. Trafford MV played well and competitively, being rewarded for their effort with an early penalty, which they kicked for a 3-0 lead. Their back line was certainly talented and evasive, carving breaks through the midfield defence. Clitheroe leaked a try which was converted. With 15 minutes gone Clitheroe were 10-0 down.

Clitheroe responded with some inspired kick returns from fullback Chris Stewart, ably supported by wing men Greg Birch and Mike Floyd. Great interplay between Will Dickinson and Mike Floyd up the right wing set up a position close to the opposition line. Clitheroe barged their way over on two occasions, with both tries disallowed. Eventually Ross Chamberlain barged his way over after a succession of quick penalties. Nathan Peel converted. Clitheroe remained in control of the game and easily made further breaks and kept the pace of the game up. Chris Stewart added a further two tries after some great team interplay and Nathan Peel convert one.

Trafford MV were not going to lie down, and from a midfield scrum, launched a first phase attack through the backs and scored a very well worked try.

From the restart Clitheroe exerted pressure and some tough tackling dislodged the ball, James Cathcart was on hand to fly hack the ball through, chase, pickup and race clear for a try, just before halftime.

The score at halftime was a 15-24 lead for Clitheroe. The message at halftime was clear, keep the ball, build the phases and the opportunities will come.

Clitheroe started the second half well. After 4 minutes Mike Floyd escaped for a try down the left wing after some great team rugby.

Two Clitheroe players were sin binned, for back chat and criticism of the referee. Whilst down to 13 players, Trafford MV scored a try and began to rally.

Clitheroe by this stage of the game had the upper hand in all the exchanges and began to let their rugby do the talking. Five further tries were scored by Darren Eagle, Ross Chamberlain, Richard Few and another two for James Cathcart. Nathan Peel converted four of them.

In the end an easy victory, 20-62, but lessons to be learnt on starting games better, first up tackling in midfield and letting the rugby do the talking.