The battling maroons were unable to overcome an early onslaught from visitors Garstang that ultimately cost them the game at Silcock Park last Saturday.
Garstang travelled in the confidence that riding high at the top of table does to you. They have only lost once this season ; to second place De La Salle, and it appears a straight shoot out between the two for the top spot come April. The match up between the two teams in February will probably decide things.

Clitheroe welcomed back skipper Ed Sinclair to the team along with Josh Burns and Wayne Tierney fresh from studying Judo in Japan, AD Davies slotted into the No9 jersey and James Dickenson joined Matt Bleasdale at wing and full back respectively.

Garstang started with a bang and scored two tries in the first 10 minutes. Their slick back line poured through a gaping hole for the fist one and a turnover in their own 22 saw them race away with some neat interpassing to score under the posts. The speed of thought and deed of the visiting back line was impressive and was well marshalled by former Lancashire and England Counties back Oli Viney - also a former team mate of our Head Coach at Fylde. Some say he's aged better!
After about twenty minutes Clitheroe began to get into the game more and their route one approach made useful inroads. The home side made some useful line breaks but could just find the wherewithal to finish them off.
However after a siege of the line for quite some time the maroon's managed to bulldoze over. This time prop Josh Burns claiming the score. AD Davies converted to buoy up the home spectators.
But as the half drew to a close Garstang grabbed another to put themselves in a handy 7-19 lead.

The second half was a much closer affair even though Garstang scored first again. But never say die Clitheroe fought back well and were well rewarded with another Josh Burns identikit try under the post.
Nothing between the teams as the visitors were able to manage the game out with some solid defence holding out whatever Clitheroe could throw at them.
NO disgrace, and no lack of effort but the visitors had the greater cutting edge and finishing skill on the day.
Should be an interesting return match at the beginning of March.

Clitheroe's next outing is a fascinating local derby away at Colne & Nelson on 4th Jan 2025. Happy New Year!