So near yet so darn far!

This was a game that Clitheroe 2nd XV really didn't want to lose and at the final whistle the local supporters were celebrating what they thought to be a 19-18 close-fought win. However, this wasn't the scoreline written down by the man that mattered, the Referee. After tough negotiations in the bar afterwards a 20-20 draw was agreed in true rugby fashion and all left for home relatively happy. Bolton accepted that the scoreline was indeed incorrect whilst Clitheroe ceded that Bolton were told during the game and incorrect score and thus played according to that score. To be honest, what really mattered was that everyone present was given an excellent game to watch and Captain Procter now knows that his team has some bite and an instaiable will to win.

It didn't start too well for the home side and in the first quarter they found themselves a try and a couple of penalties in arrears. They were tackling well and the desire was there but Clitheroe just couldn't quite string enough passes together to trouble a strong Bolton side. Clitheroe eventually got their name on the scoresheet thanks to the first of a fine hat-trick of tries from the rampaging prop Atkinson. Scrum half Wood kicked deep into opposition territory and enough pressure was put onto the scrambling Bolton defence to cause them to lose possession. Atkinson pounced on the loose ball and sprinted a full 10 yards and over the try line. Young centre Robinson converted well from the side.

After a half time chat, Clitheroe were showing as the better side and a scrum on the Bolton 10 metre line gave Clitheroe an excellent attacking platform. This time Atkinson showed immense power and no mean dexterity for such a man-mountain as he crashed over with a number of defenders hanging onto him for dear life. Again Robinson slotted the extras. Only 10 more minutes elapsed before the crowd were treated to the best try of the game. Some good setup play from Hayton, Wells and the old-time pairing of Caunce and Stott gave Atkinson the room to explode into action. He received the ball with near 30 yards to the line and swatted a number of defenders aside to score a fine team try. A final converted try from Bolton made the scoreline close and the final 5 minutes or so were tense to say the least.

Overall it was a splendid game for all with good showings from a number of Clitheroe players, especially from the younger lads, who showed skill and enterprise in abundance. The forwards fought well at the breakdown whilst the backs grew more confident as the game wore on and it's all setup well for the visit to Colne & Nelson next week for Pundy's men. C&N lie a few places above but have played a game more.