Leaden skies on the approach to Ashton under Lyne RFC on Saturday gave the travelling fan base some cause for concern; a wet dreich afternoon was usually a good sign for the home side's big pack to stick it up the jumper and grind it out.
Fortunately your correspondent - with the Silver Fox Chairman in tow - arrived spot on time, to be greeted by the players emerging to what can only be considered a decent Autumn day. Pitch firm, plenty of grass and little wind to speak of.

The Director of Rugby informed us we had loads of players mid week but a few last minute withdrawals caused a bit of rejigging. Oscar Duck shifted from the forwards to his old Colts position of full back, AD Davis came in at scrum half allowing Will Tattersall to partner Nick Roberts in the centres. Josh Dolan and Sam White on the wings were a contrast in styles, but no less effective.
Rick Slinger returned at flank as did Josh Malkinson at lock. A handy bench of Gil Stanton, Joe Shorrock and the Rev Cheeseman looking after spiritual matters completed the squad.

Clitheroe made an excellent start and after only 10 minutes Josh Burns , like a giant mole, aided by Tom Walton's not inconsiderable ballast, had burrowed over from close range to claim his third try of the season. No extras [0-5]
Burns was almost over shortly afterwards but this time loosing his scrumcap in the process must have sapped the power from his legs - to be ruled just short.

Ashton came roaring back and pinned the maroons down in their own 22 for what seemed like an age. After some fantastic, frantic defending eventually the line was breeched for a converted try on 20 minutes.[7-5]

No panic in Clitheroe ranks at this stage. The town team began to turn the screw especially in the tight - where the line outs and scrums were working well. Top dollar flinty defence gave little away and a wayward clearance kick from the home side fell into the gleeful hands of Sam White; who in a trice was scampering to claim an terrific try and reclaim the lead for Clitheroe [7-10]

No more score in the half but Clitheroe were still playing within themselves and confidence was still high of a positive amongst the wrapped up fans on the bleachers.

The spectators trust was well founded at the start of the second stanza . Possession gained just inside the half saw James Cathcart put a neat 'wipers' kick in towards the right corner. A kick is only as good as the chase they say; so with wingman Dolan chasing hard the Ashton full back was caught in no mans land. Dolan charged down a hasty clearance kick and as ever like a good old fashioned openside flanker, Joe Aspin scooped up the loose ball to dive over to extend the lead. AD Davis found his kicking boots and at 7-17 things were looking good.

Clitheroe were now in charge and next on the scoresheet was lock Nathan Sewell. A fine sight to see the big fella galloping over , all arms and legs crashing over.[7-22] Unfortunately the same player rather blotted his copybook after getting on the wrong side of the ref. Result - 10 mins on the naughty step young man.

Ashton made a brief rally at this point but any thoughts of a dramatic comeback floundered on the rocks of Clitheroe's strong defence. With Shorrock and Stanton on off the bench , it only made things harder for the home side.
Then the coup de grace of bringing Sam Cheeseman on to replace a tiring AD Davis, who was shunted out to full back ,was a tactical masterstroke by the Head Coach. It only served to unleash Tattersall and Roberts who had been fairly quiet until then. Rampaging Roberts was soon over for a great try under the posts and we were nearly treated to a smile in reward. Conversion over by the rested Davies [7-29] and the match was in the bag.
Cheers to Ashton for a good tough game and good hospitality afterwards. Ashton gave our MoM to out-half James Cathcart, whilst close contenders must have been Joe Aspin, Jonny Walter and Rampaging Roberts.

Always good to win on the road and move up the table a place to 5th. But some tricky encounters to come before the halfway restructure of the division point in early January. Starting this Saturday with a resurgent Ormskirk RFC the visitors to Silcock Park. [ko 2.15pm]