Clitheroe senior team had a costly reverse at the hands of old rivals Burnley last Saturday. Not only on the wrong side of the scoreboard, two of the mainstays of the team suffered first half injuries that could keep them out of action for some weeks. Both centre Will Tattersall and prop Josh Burns' absence was and will be keenly felt, and we wish them both a speedy recovery.

This thrice postponed game had all the makings of a typical local derby, close, niggly and no quarter given. However Clitheroe started the stronger making good yardage and were looking purposeful.
They were soon into the Burnley red zone making the home defence work overtime. A number of glaring opportunities went begging, but just before Coach Few had pulled out his remaining strands of hair, they managed to put some phases together and Chris Briggs was the recipient to dive over in the corner. No extras but things were looking ok-ish.
Pressing again a wild loose pass was intercepted and the Burnley winger gleefully scampered away for an easy converted try.
Start again.
On the half hour the sight of Tattersall limping off was soon followed by Burns' departure with a nasty looking facial injury.
Clitheroe held on till half time with no further score and the talk in the huddle was of taking their chances when they arose.

The second half was one to forget for the maroons. The reshuffle did nothing for continuity and Burnley scored two more quick tries.
Although not out of reach on the scoreboard Clitheroe struggled at scrum time and found it heavy going to make much headway. Only some outstand individual performances gave a beacon of hope for the travelling support; Oscar Duck was safe at line out time and looked effective with ball in hand, Nick Roberts had his customary rumbustious game and Connor Fletcher looked dangerous but was feeding off scraps.

The upside of a disappointing afternoon is the immediate opportunity to right some wrongs as Burnley visit Silcock Park this Saturday {16th March]. The talent is there and everyone, including your correspondent, has the faith in the lads.
#coyms