Clitheroe made the trip to sunny Dukinfield on Saturday with a changed squad and some fresh faces. Not always the best place to blood new lads but needs must.
Work and the delights of Twickers had caused a few selection headaches but the was still an air of solidity about the team. Especially up front where Joe Shorrock returned after injury in the front row, moving Tom Walton into lock - hardly made the pack any lighter.
Chris Briggs made his first outing of the season and Connor Fletcher returned on the wing.

A good day for rugby as it turned out, dry and windless plus a firm pitch to boot. Clitheroe's small band of supporters were hoping for the best but hopes have been cruelly dashed may times before at this ground where home advantage very much rules. Many times have the maroons skulked off back up the M66 frustrated in letting games slip away by a point or two.

Clitheroe started the brighter of the teams and although Duk's defence was firm the visitors made good territory. After a few possible penalty kick options were spurned in favour of a tap and run, which came to nought - the line was breeched as Norton Johnston, with hardly a hair out of place, scythed through for the opening score. Nathon Burns added the extras and 0-7 up after 20 minutes.

No further score in the half but Clitheroe's scrum was dominant enough for the home team to send for reinforcements at an early stage. So a satisfactory first half but no where near like comfortable.

The second period saw Clitheroe extend their lead with a penalty from AD Davies - good idea - keep the scoreboard ticking over. 0-10

Duk had other ideas and had a good period resulting in a converted try 7-10.

Nerves were calmed a little when Burns kicked another penalty for the maroons [7-13] but this only inspired the home team who had a strong 20 minutes and had Clitheroe under the pump. A yellow card left the maroons a man down for 10 mins and Duk took advantage scoring another. Crucially the conversion missed [12-13].

The tension was mounting in the final ten minutes but cool heads from Clitheroe saved the day. They worked the way down field and used attack as the best form of defence. The ball swept out to the right with a good line up and outside half James Cathcart spotted a chink in the defence. In a twinkling he strutted over to dot down behind the sticks. Burns on song again with the extras. [12-20].

Just minutes to survive; just secure the kick off and we're done. Like an exceedingly large salmon, Walton plucked the restart out of the air and smuggled it away just as the ref blew for no side.
A good team performance from the lads, especially from the pack. Plus a lovely brief cameo off the bench for our resident cleric Sam Cheeseman [pic] - didn't put a foot wrong.

Overseas opposition at Silcock Park this Saturday with Vagabonds RFC from the Isle of Man the visitors . Note 1pm ko