The winning streak continues as Clitheroe win away at Bury

The maroon and golds play a sound game against a robust Bury side

Clitheroe Senior Colts went into this game on the back of a resounding home win against Burnley but knew the trip to Bury would bring a much sterner test of their resolve. This was indeed the case as Clitheroe really had to work hard for the points.

A fairly settled squad of 17 took to the field and immediately took the game to Bury. Scrum half Lucas Wright was missing with a back injury so his brother Dominic stepped into this crucial position and he acquitted himself very well. The pack of Calton-Whitaker, Robinson, Enion, Lee, Barraclough, Hamlet, Aspin & Horsfield looked strong on paper whilst the back line outside of stand-in scrum half Wright consisted of Wilkinson (capt), Stanley, Duck, Mason, White & Pimbley with Tyagi and Starkie on the bench to start.

In the opening 10 minutes, it was all Clitheroe and even in the infrequent times the home team received the ball, they coughed it back up. Eventually, that pressure told when Oscar Duck kicked over the onrushing defence and created some havoc in the otherwise stout Bury back three. The otherwise dependable full back fumbled a difficult pick up and Duck kicked through twice before dotting down to score. He added the extras with aplomb. As the half continued, it was mainly Clitheroe attacking in Bury's half and on 19 mins, Bury transgressed at the ruck, which meant Duck had the opportunity to add 3 points from the tee. He duly obliged.

The next play was this Clitheroe side showing their best bits. The kick off was caught on the full by the excellent Rob Lee who stepped one way then the other, before sprinting a good 40 yards into the opposition half. He then offloaded to the supporting Patrick Enion who in turn off loaded to Benji Barraclough before Joe Aspin took the ball into a ruck situation. The ball was quickly recycled and spun right through the hands of the backs and Duck was once again Jonny-on-the-spot, scything through to cap a brilliant team try. It;'s a try that is unlikely to be bettered this season. So far it was Clitheroe (and Oscar Duck) 15 to Bury's nil.

As the remainder of the 1st half wore on, Bury gained more a foothold and began to show what they're made of. Some excellent drives around the middle and some incisive breaks further out gave them some territory at last. As they batered the lien with seconds left on the clock to half time, Clitheroe's otherwise superb defence eventually ruptured and the home side were buoyed as they went into the break 5-15 down. Clitheroe had bossed the half but they were going to have to continue in the same vein to take home the points- Bury weren't done yet.

In the second half and Bury were obviously up for it. They carried with real gusto and only resolute defence from Clitheroe as well as some dropped balls kept the scores the same. Eventually, on 25 mins, Clitheroe had built their play patiently and found themselves knocking on the door of the Bury tryline. A series of pick and drives gave Tom Calton-Whitaker the opportunity the pick up from the base of a ruck and he launched himself over the ruck to score a good forwards 5-pointer. Duck added the extra points.

With the game essentially out of reach for Bury they seemed even more determined to score again and it was only Clitheroe's brilliant defence that ensured the game finished 22-5 to Clitheroe. Duck's return of 17 points was thoroughly deserved (following his 39 the previous Sunday) but it was the whole team who need to be congratulated for a super performance. Backs and forwards combine in harmony and they're appearing to continue their growth as the season progresses. Essentially, this team is great to watch and should you feel like doing so, after a rest weekend next Sunday, they entertain Broughton Park on Sunday 28th October at Littlemoor, kick off 2pm.