Wednesday, 2 September 2009By Roger Holmes
Two tough openers for Clitheroe this weekend.
After a couple of lead up matches involving sides from Broughton Park and our old friends Carnforth, the 'phoney war' is over.
The 1st XV set sail into reletive uncharted waters in a new league, whilst the 2nd XV - the Cavaliers - entertain old friends.
New Club Captain, Oliver McEntyre, is positively champing at the bit to get cracking this season. "....with a few new faces and some old ones returning, we are looking forward to the challenge of this new league. With a more regular fixture list I hope we can move forward with some degree of optimism at the club...."
The 1sts are operating in the Miller Homes League 3N this term having moved out of the RFU North Lancs 2. The move was made with a slightly heavy heart, as we have lost one or two of our regular opponents from the fixture list, but we are amply rewarded with a full and regular fixture list for the season ahead.
The opening game is against Rossendale 2's at thier Marl Pits ground. Probably one of the strongest teams in the division, with their 1st XV plying their trade in National 3(N), it would appear thier 2's will be no pushover.
However the Skipper is still quietly confident - "..it may take a few games to find our feet in this league, but I'm sure we will be competitve throughout....."
Meanwhile, at Littlemoor, Colne & Nelson 2's make the short trip 'over the hill' for the opener for Simon 'Windy' Rawstrons' men.
In his second term as Skipper, Windy will be looking forward to blending the youth and experience in the team saying "..I'm looking forward to building on last seasons progress.....plus it will be good to see all the off season training come to fruition.."
Our first visiting Referee is Mr. Ian Cummings, who is welcome as always.
Kick off is at 3pm, and the bar, of course, will be open for refreshments!
