After a false start a few weeks ago Clitheroe Rugby Club finally got their 3rd XV up and running. Running might be a generous verb ...shuffling maybe more accurate for some of the more, ahem..mature players.

Under the capataincy of the wise grey head of Dave Watson the 3's welcomed Skipton 2nds/3rds to the Ribblesdale top pitch, which had been lovingly marked out by your Chairman Bob Wilkinson.

An interesting mixture of players assembled for game and they started off as if they hardly knew each other, which was no surprise as many of them had only just met.

There was a welcome back to maroon and gold colours to scrum half Brian Wood, a man who terrifies fly halves everywhere – especially his own with his special passing technique. (sorry!)

Also back patroling the wing was former sprint king the good Doctor himself, Ian Ibbotson, receiving scant opportunities to show his worth he soon departed at half time to prop up the NHS.

A goodly load of young blades made the squad; young Sam Booth had an electric first half on the wing then moved to the no 9 shirt, and being and being at least 40 years younger than the previous incumbant, had a sound game.

Will Spensley Jones turned up with a couple of mates. A surprise in itself as nobody knew he had any friends. But Sam Grooby and Adam Najia turned out to be good lads, with young Mr Grooby having the honour of scoring the 3rd XV's first ever try. Unfortunately it was their only try of the game, but we'll gloss over that for now.

Tom Capstick played well at full back, probably because he'd made the 3rd XV 's cardinal sin by training, but he paid his membership so we'll let him off.

Big Pete Hird pulled on the boots for his first game in about 15 years and certainly lent some weight to proceedeings, surely a future star Vet in the making, once he can last a full half!! Good to see you Pete.

Fantabulous to see the larger and more talkative of the Hardman brothers back in the front row after a couple of years off. Did well did Thomas. No doubt.

Young James Poddy Podyven had a nice outing on the wing, before departing because 'my wife is putting my make up on'. Well thats what backs are like these days I suppose , said Pundy Procter

Thanks indeed to Andy Caunce for his cameo on the other wing. Definitely get you in the pack for next game.

As for the game itself, it's fair to say Clitheroe took a while to get going and Skipton were deseved winners on the day. But Clitheroe inproved as the game progessed and could have had more with a little more composure at times. Some good thrusts from Mark Preston and plenty of industry from the Thornber bros. Tubber and Nobs. Plus the enthusiasm of Jake'the whisperer' Procter and Jamie Taylor added to the occasion.

A historic occasion in Clitheroe's 40th season. Magnificent sight to behold in the autumn sun.

Lets do it again. Ok. So the next fixture for the 3rd XV is away at Carnforth on 26th November. Book it in your diaries now!!

Squad; Tom Hardman, Tubber Thornber, John Harry Pundy Procter, Richard Murray, Pete Hird, Jake Procter, Jamie Taylor, Happy Pete Farnsworth, Sam Grooby, Adam Najia, Richard Nobs Thornber, Brian Wood, Dave Watson, Will Spencely-Jones, Mark Preston, Miles Sharples, Andy Caunce, Sam Booth, Ian Ibbotson, Tom Capstick, James Poddy Podyven.
Head Groundsman: Bob Wilkinson
Elite Performance Director: Roger Holmes

CLITHEROE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

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