Clitheroe's rugby men's team traveled south to pie territory, Orrell RUFC, in the teeth of storm Darragh on Saturday. Just why stormy winter weather is now given a name is perhaps a discussion for another day, but it probably keeps someone in a job at the Met Office.

After a dispointing reverse at home last week a win was needed to rectify any wobbles - Orrell in December wouldn't have been the first option but as many other games fell foul of the weather we were given the green light to travel - with claims of the pitch being in good nick.

After a buffeting drive down the M6 the claim was found to be correct. The playing surface at Winstanley College (not to be confused with our own Winstanley - Forrest!) was indeed excellent in spite of all the rain. Though I expect the sloping nature of the ground helped as well.

Nick Roberts returned to the team and promptly found himself with the Captains armband and led the team playing down the slope but into the teeth of a howling gale...a bit like the Mistral in Provence but without the pleasant warmth and wine.

This suited the fatboys in the pack as gravity was their friend, and soon they were battering away in the Orrell 22. Peter Mitchell had his traditional early rumble which drew the defence. Some deft passing considering the conditions by James Cathcart put away, forward turned full back, Oscar Duck in the corner. Conversion attempt blown off course but a good start. [0-5]
Clitheroe soon doubled the score when wingman Connor Fletcher showed a clean pair of heels to scoot in at the opposite corner. Still no extras [0-10]

By now it was the turn of that most handsome & intelligent octet of supertankers - namely: the forwards, to get in on the scoring. Both lock Nate Sewell and prop Joe Shorrock scored classic forwards tries. Think of the Ba Baas v NZ in 1973 length of the field try - now compress that down considerably - and you're there. Oscar managed one conversion and Clitheroe were suddenly 0-22 to the good and a bonus point secured.
Not to be outdone by the forwards show of brilliance, and with the half drawing to a close; Nick Roberts was fed a nice pass from the base of a dominant scrum on half way. He burst through the first line of defence before galloping down to score under the sticks. Simple conversion over and at the turn round Clitheroe had a handy 0-31 lead.

The half time interval was mercifully brief, especially on the fair sized hardy bunch of spectators; who resembled a crew of an Icelandic trawler out on shore leave. Never have I seen such a collection of oilskins, cagoules and sou'westers assembled in one place since the Cod Wars. Apart from the Chairman that is, who had turned up in an ill advised bomber jacket and slacks combo, more suited to the Cats Whiskers in 1987 than a field just off the M6.

Back to the action. Now playing uphill but with the freshening tornado at their backs it looked like it could be an interesting last 40.

Orrell were quickly on the offensive, spurred on no doubt by the presence of the collection of ex players from the glory days of Orrell, Lancashire and Northern rugby , with a sprinkling of England caps to boot. They lay siege in the Clitheroe 22 for a long period of time battering away at the line. Only some stout hearted defending kept the maroon line intact.
After the siege was lifted Clitheroe marched up the field where the game almost played out to a stalemate. Cold hands and slippery balls led to many a mistake for both sides.

On about the hour mark Clitheroe pounced on one such loose ball. With a bit of a hack on and pick up Roberts was over for his second of the day. Oscar converted to wrap up the scoring for the day.

With no let up in the weather and the match grinding on and going no where in particular, it was a welcome relief to finish some minutes early by a mutual gentleman's agreement.
Both teams and supporters scuttled off double quick for the shelter of the changing rooms and bar.

Fair play for both teams to playing in absurd conditions for rugby, especially the Head Coach running touch on the far touchline - but better than Christmas shopping? You bet!

This week Clitheroe host table toppers Garstang RFC at Silcock Park [2.15pm] and the 2s make the short hop to Colne and Nelson.