Successful trip to the bright lights of Blackpool

Captain Ben Graves led his team away to the bright lights of Blackpool in search of some illumination after a dark week caused by an ever increasing injury list. The form book indicated would be a tough encounter. Previously this season Blackpool had comfortably beaten last weeks narrow Clitheroe conquerors Colne & Nelson. These two factors would be enough for most to loose their appetite all week, but Ben Graves showed no signs of malnutrition before the match and his faith was repaid – as ever when Clitheroe appear up against the odds they came out firing.

The team had an interesting look to it with Bob Wilkinson starting on the wing while Simon Gretton was delayed getting to the ground and utility player Mark Curphy lining up in the centres with vice-captain Matt Bartle to give the back line some brains as well as brawn.

A bright autumnal afternoon, a flat dry pitch and little breeze meant perfect conditions as the teams ran out for the encounter. With a band of trusty travelling support to encourage form the touchline, Clitheroe just had the edge in scrappy first half. After a series of forward drives to make ground into the Blackpool half the back line finally took the advice from the touchline to spin the ball out, this resulted in the opening try for centre Matt Bartle. The conversion was missed but the lead was Clitheroe’s. This increased with a penalty from a Blackpool infringement converted by Lafranceschina.

The usual Clitheroe-itis ensued, for while the team’s minds were still living the glory of the lead, Blackpool were stung into action. Their centre bullocked through some weak tackles for a score near the posts which was duly converted. Eight points to 7 was how the half ended.

A positive team talk from the Skipper and again the team came out to take the game to Blackpool – there was plenty of industry on the pitch but it lacked the cohesive collaboration required to conquer conclusively.

However, the points did come in the burley shape of prop Roger Cairns who took a quick pass to crash over, the conversion was taken by Lafranceschina and a more comfortable lead was in place, further increased with another penalty from the silky boot of Lafranceschina some ten minutes later.

Blackpool had their moments but flattered to deceive on too many occasions to pick up any points in the second half. Never a team to put rivals to the sword Clitheroe entered into a scrappy final quarter eleven points up but with Blackpool determined not to be beaten and firing the ball up the pitch at every opportunity. Scrum half Smudge Smith, usually solidly yapping orders like an irate Yorkshire terrier behind the pack, took a mark inside the 22 only for his clearance kick to slice into the arms of the Blackpool inside centre, who duly attacked. This was to be Blackpool’s final chance, and as Smudge Smith partially redeemed himself with a clearance kick after good work by the pack to snuff out the offensive, the final whistle went.

Some good individual performances, especially from Second Row Ric Edmondson who must surely have Andrew Rigby worrying if he will ever pull on his coveted No5 jersey again. While the back line looked sharp every time they had quick ball and some space, they must also remember to release the ball to keep the pace of the game flowing.

A first league victory of the season is an excellent platform, the team need to take the positive individual performances build from here. There is a need to gel together more as a unit during the game and bring training ground work onto the park from the kick off. When they do, they will be a match for anyone in this league.