The long awaited rematch with De La Salle RFC was on the menu on Saturday. After two games at Silcock Park in the league and then cup way back at the beginning of the season the Salford side had edged both contests. But Clitheroe were always there or thereabouts.

Since those balmy September days De La Salle have only had their colours lowered on three occasions. Our neighbours - Colne & Nelson RFC and Burnley plus long time league leaders Garstang; having beaten all three of these teams this term, hopes were high of an East Lancs treble.

However...there’s always ‘however’ ….selection and injury issues probably scuppered the teams chances early on. Traveling with just a squad of 16 was less than ideal. Harping on about the missing individuals would be an insult to those who put their best foot forward to represent the Club in maroon & gold.

We were deep in rugby league territory as the home team showed good neat passing, some deft little grubber kicks to get behind the defence, plus the usual feature, as you would expect, of strong tackling.
The home team favoured the more upright league style of tackle often two man taking our the ball carrier high on the chest and at time clamping the ball carrier to gain the turnover. Quite effective.

The home team scored first as Clitheroe looked a little jet lagged from the trip to Salford. A neat chip through caught the defence napping and Della were in for a smart score. No extras [5-0]

Clitheroe worked themselves into the game and after some strong thrusts down the left wing it was Oscar Duck who was loping through would be tackles for the score to level it up. Again no extras [5-5]

But more was to come. After a good half hour or so Nick Roberts broke the line and went over. With Nathon Burns converting suddenly the visitors were up and running [5-12].

Alas this did not last long. On almost the stroke of half time De La Salle grabbed one back to level it up at the lemons [12-12].

An intriguing second 40 was on the cards. A firm pitch but a blustery cool breeze that had the small but regular traveling band of supporters well wrapped up on the side lines.

The home team got off to a perfect start by scoring a converted try within five minutes of the restart. [19-12].

But Clitheroe were not done by a long chalk and every player put in a big shift. Skipper Ed Sinclair came off with a slight nose bleed and on came the Rev Cheese. Super adaptable Adam Spencer moved from the backs into the front row with little disrution.
Although Clitheroe threw everything at the Della line, the home defence was just about up to the task every time. A couple more replacements may have been handy to freshen up tired legs but n/a.

Difficult to name check players in a team game but anyway... Matt Mason was strong on the counter from full back,. New lock pairing of Nick Good and Stewart Hulse were busy and showed great endeavour throughout, Austin Wensley had a good game niggling away in the back row; the two wing men didn’t see a lot of ball but Joe Clarke and Smudge Smith always went forward. Plus Johnny Walter and Tom Walton had their usual rumbustious games taking the game to the opposition.

But it is to no ones surprise that the stand out players in this game were the ones who have made the most appearances this season. Roberts, Spencer, Will Tattersall, Duck and Josh Burns were at the heart of everything. There must be a connection there?

Big shout out to our physio Kate Lewis, kept busy administering treatment for both teams, including a nasty ankle injury to a home player who we hope he is soon mended.

So De La Salle are on target for a runners up spot behind newly crown champs Garstang [presuming 2 go up] and fair play to them.

As the old saying goes – there’s always next week. Three home games over the weekend. Ashton under Lyne for the 1s; Blackburn for the 2nds and Aldwinians for the Vixens on Sunday.

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