2's Edged Out in Local Derby

Man on the spot, roving reporter Jamie Lee Taylor reports from the heart of the battle

Clitheroe played host to Blackburn this weekend it what was an eagerly anticipated game at Littlemoor.

Not many changes to the starting XV with the exception of Martin Lafranceschina in the back row ,head coach Roger Holmes a late call up at hooker, loose head prop Chris Birchall and debutant scrum half Tom Houldsworth making a starting appearance for the 2's.
Jamie Taylor manfully moved over to the unfamiliar tight head prop position. Will Spencely-Jones and Matt Bleasedale continued their burgeoning centre partnership & the young blades Josh Kay and Austin Wensley patrolled the wings.

The game started as many have with the opposition managing to break the deadlock early on. Playing the ball from a scrum in Clitheroes own half and with some fast passes Blackburn managed to break through the defence and notch their only try of the day and made the conversion. Blackburn lead 7-0.

Never to back down Clitheroe applied constant pressure towards Blackburn and this pressure led to two penalties due to handling errors which were calmly converted by Martin Lanfranceschina. The score stood at 7-6 going into the break.

Clitheroe started the 2nd half as they ended the first with excellent pressure and showed fantastic defensive skills as Blackburn could not break the line.

Blackburn could count themselves lucky in the fact they were awarded a penalty for handling errors as Clitheroe kept them back wave after wave of attack. The penalty was converted and Blackburn still lead 10-6.

Clitheroe immediately responded with brilliant pressure from the restart and Blackburn found themselves punished in the form of a penalty due to handling in the breakdown. Martin Lanfranceschina on hand again to score for Clitheroe. Blackburn still lead 10-9.

Blackburn from the subsequent restart applied the attacking pressure they had showed all game but Clitheroe matched this with their own defensive master class to stop them in their tracks. A penalty was awarded to Blackburn deep in Clitheroes own half and scored. Blackburn led 13-9.

A final push from Clitheroe saw them peg back Blackburn with 10 minutes to go and were rewarded a penalty for their efforts. Clinical as ever Martin Lanfranceschina converted and the game ended 13-12 to Blackburn.

Great display of attacking and defending from both sides and with an ever improving team it's looking good for Clitheroes 2nd XV.

By JT