Rossendale 3rds too hot this time

Clitheroe 2nds played their 3rd straight home game, this time with Rossendsle 3rds the visitors. The pitch was delivered in great nick following excellent work by Groundsman Phil Isherwood and a lovely autumnal day greeted the players and spectators alike ready for the feat of open and entertaining rugby.

With a number of backs stepping up into the 1st team squad, the 2nds were left with no option but to play some forwards out of position and they were ably assisted in their tough task to contain a solid Rossendale side by some regulars and a number of players returning to the fold after months, perhaps years away from the club.

Clitheroe started relatively brightly and took the game to the visitors. Captain Procter urged his troops onwards and whilst forwards like Holmes, Farnsworth and Matthews were making good ground going forward, Penney, young Procter and the elder Williamson were showing up well in defence. The final forward to mention is Craig Holland, who although a relative newcomer to rugby, his progress is quickening and playing at prop throughout this game his performance was impressive.

With 10 minutes on the clock, Rossendale opened their account and in truth, their more aggressive tackling and better support play was making it difficult for Clitheroe to stay in the game. That said, Hough, Wood and Keough made good use of the ball whenever it came their way, stand-in centre Cowgill defended well in tandem with Williamson and Mashiter, whilst full bak Clemmey was probable Clitheroe's most potent attacker during the time he was on the field. His runs from deep kept the opposition on their toes and but for a stumble he could have scored the home side's first points. The only other chance of points fell to scrum half Wood but for some reason the referee failed to see him grounding the ball right under the sticks and his nose! A final mention was the return to action of John "Hughie" Wardle who slotted into the full back berth during one of many changes throughout the game. Despite donning Clemmeys ultra-fast white boots, Hughie unfortunately didn't make front page news this time...

In the end it was a clear victory to a very good Rossendale 3rd team who will undoubtedly contest the top of this league by season's end. It's an away fixture at Burnley for Pundy's men next week and he will no doubt be hoping for a good squad of players to take over Pendle for what will be an entertaining game, especially as Burnley lie only 2 places higher in the league.

One final mention is to any potential players who may like to take up or perhaps return to rugby fate an absence from the game. Training continues every Tuesday evening firm 19.15 and everyone's welcome to come along. Contact Bob Wilkinson for more information on 07962 099935.