Hard fought win sees the 2nds maintain promotion push

Hard fought win sees the 2nds maintain promotion push

Clitheroe welcomed second placed Fylde 4ths for this crunch promotion clash knowing that victory would consolidate their top position as the business end of the season approaches.

As is usually the case the hosts were unable to field the same line up that played so well the week before. A couple of last minute drop outs also ensured that Clitheroe were down to the bare bones. However the 15 men who took to the field were fully committed and did themselves and the club proud.

Playing on a Ribblesdale pitch that was very heavy against a strong Fylde team required teamwork and graft. It was clear from the outset that the conditions made it difficult for running rugby as both packs slugged it out for supremacy. Clitheroe battled tenaciously, tackling well and turning the ball over on numerous occasions. Peel at scrum half was superb in making strong breaks and disrupting the visitors attacks. Ably supported by Railton at fly half, both made strong runs and crucially held up and ripped ball from the opposition on numerous occasions. The conditions and physical nature of the contest ensured that a number of penalties were conceded by both sides. Following a Fylde attack in the hosts 22, a Clitheroe player infringed and Fylde had the penalty in front of the posts. This was converted and the hosts were 3-0 down and realising that this was going to be a long afternoon.

Clitheroe were having the best of the territory battle, and good breaks by Farnsworth and Cowgill almost came to fruition but the final off load just went astray. The support play in the loose by the pack was excellent with Thornber having another strong game, and his example was followed by Norman and his tenacious tackling. Murray and Procter scrummaged well against a strong Fylde pack and the forward battle was fairly even.

Following a turn over by Clitheroe, Lafranceschina received an offload from Railton and proceeded to beat 4 defenders with a display of strong running and sidesteps to touch down under the posts. A superb try from an excellent player. Peel converted and the hosts were in the lead 7-3.

At half time Dowson urged his troops to continue the effort and keep their discipline.

The second half began with Fylde having the upper hand with the territory. Tackling was ferocious and Will Spenceley Jones and Kay defended well and attacked with speed and good running. Both had great games and their contributions were huge towards the victory.

Fylde were throwing everything at Clitheroe but the hosts tackled everything that ran at them and stood up to the test to the man. Caunce and Gretton defended superbly, very often having to use their nous to get time for support to arrive…and arrive it did.

Murray took a breather, and club stalwart Geoff Williamson came into the front row. Geoff as usual never buckled and stood up to the test and never put a foot wrong. Tennant came into the second row and scrummaged well.

Clitheroe managed to repel all the visitors threw at them and held on for a deserved win. No points to either side in the second half showed how close the game was. Credit to Fylde who played their part in a physical battle played in the right spirit.

This was all about every Clitheroe player on the pitch who showed massive resilience.
Special mention must go to Peel, Railton, Thornber and Spenceley Jones for their efforts, but man of the match was Lafranceschina. Kino (as he is known) tackled superbly, was full strong running and showed some great skills.

The big games keep on coming though, next week away to Orrell St James and the 2nds need all the support they can get to cap a wonderful season.

Report by Ste Dows