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Sat 12 May 2012
Clitheroe 1st XVPresident's Select
52
12
Extremely well-attended final game ends in victory for Ollie's 1st XV squad
Bob Wilkinson14 May 2012 - 08:59
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Another keenly fought contest in the annual President's Match saw Ollie's team run out comfortable winners in his last game as CRUFC Club Captain.
The playing season for Clitheroe RUFC at Littlemoor came to an end on Saturday with the traditional showdown between the Chairman’s XV – made up for that season’s regular 1st XV players, led by Club Captain Oliver McEntyre – against the President’s XV, led by 2nd XV captain Bob Wilkinson, made up from players past and present as well as a few invited guests, commonly known as ringers!
As ever, with pride at stake for the coming 12 months the match was hotly contested, especially in the scrimmaging on the floor for possession. As usual, the President’s XV came out of the blocks at pace and looked to gain possession all over the park and run the ball from all over the park. The President’s XV were strong in the scrum, but the 1st XV slowly took command on the floor and in the lineout – with decent quick ball giving them the opportunity to run ball through the back line. It was Jim Smith who opened the scoring for the Chairman’s XV, a hardworking stalwart of the 1st XV all season it was a great way to cap the end to his season. The tries followed thick and fast from there on in, unfortunately for Club President Colin Silcock it was one way traffic as the 1st XV were rampant, feeding on the tiniest errors and punishing them with pressure, territory and touch downs. Dan Smith, Ralph Rigby, Martin Lafeshchina, Chris Waddington and Nathan Peel were among the try scores as up to 70 minutes passed without the 1st XV releasing their grip on the game. A testament to the tough defence that has been a hallmark of their play this season.
As ever, it was the assembled masses of the Presidents XV (all 40+ of them!) who were most vocal on the touchline, cheering their gladiators on. With the clock ticking down, Aaron Shread sluiced in from close range and was shortly followed by lock Steve Dowson who again drove over from a long looking 5 yards. The final score of 52 – 12 did not reflect the hard work the President’s XV put in throughout the 80 minutes, but was a tribute to the 1st XV defence and attack.
It was a fantastic day and great to welcome so many familiar faces back to Littlemoor, it was enjoyed by both observers and participants – from the players at the younger end of the scale, who’s numbers included several graduates of the Junior rugby section to the oldest player on the park, Ralph Rigby who as usual belied his 53 years.
The 1st XV Man of the Match award went to Aaron Atkinson, an indication of his hard work rate, scrumaging and rampant open play in the loose, with Aaron Shread stepping up to receive the Man of the Match award for the President’s XV – well deserved for his hard to handle runs direct up the middle of the park.
All that remains of the 2011/2012 season is the Annual Dinner on 19th May, another excellent event with the coveted Players’ Player of the season awards for both 1st & 2nd XV are voted for, along with the equally prestigious Clubman of the Year award.
As ever, with pride at stake for the coming 12 months the match was hotly contested, especially in the scrimmaging on the floor for possession. As usual, the President’s XV came out of the blocks at pace and looked to gain possession all over the park and run the ball from all over the park. The President’s XV were strong in the scrum, but the 1st XV slowly took command on the floor and in the lineout – with decent quick ball giving them the opportunity to run ball through the back line. It was Jim Smith who opened the scoring for the Chairman’s XV, a hardworking stalwart of the 1st XV all season it was a great way to cap the end to his season. The tries followed thick and fast from there on in, unfortunately for Club President Colin Silcock it was one way traffic as the 1st XV were rampant, feeding on the tiniest errors and punishing them with pressure, territory and touch downs. Dan Smith, Ralph Rigby, Martin Lafeshchina, Chris Waddington and Nathan Peel were among the try scores as up to 70 minutes passed without the 1st XV releasing their grip on the game. A testament to the tough defence that has been a hallmark of their play this season.
As ever, it was the assembled masses of the Presidents XV (all 40+ of them!) who were most vocal on the touchline, cheering their gladiators on. With the clock ticking down, Aaron Shread sluiced in from close range and was shortly followed by lock Steve Dowson who again drove over from a long looking 5 yards. The final score of 52 – 12 did not reflect the hard work the President’s XV put in throughout the 80 minutes, but was a tribute to the 1st XV defence and attack.
It was a fantastic day and great to welcome so many familiar faces back to Littlemoor, it was enjoyed by both observers and participants – from the players at the younger end of the scale, who’s numbers included several graduates of the Junior rugby section to the oldest player on the park, Ralph Rigby who as usual belied his 53 years.
The 1st XV Man of the Match award went to Aaron Atkinson, an indication of his hard work rate, scrumaging and rampant open play in the loose, with Aaron Shread stepping up to receive the Man of the Match award for the President’s XV – well deserved for his hard to handle runs direct up the middle of the park.
All that remains of the 2011/2012 season is the Annual Dinner on 19th May, another excellent event with the coveted Players’ Player of the season awards for both 1st & 2nd XV are voted for, along with the equally prestigious Clubman of the Year award.
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