Solid Home Win for 2's

Saturday saw Clitheroe host Bury in their final home game of 2016.

Clitheroe selecting a very strong team whilst also having a strong bench showing off the depth of their current squad. Welcoming back both Joe Hopkins at 10 and Joe Weld-Blundell to the back line. Dan Tolley and Tom Capstick also joining the ranks at tighthead and fullback respectively.

Bury turned up light of a player so veteran John "Pundy" Proctor swiftly volunteered to don their colours to ensure a even game.

Clitheroe knowing the importance of this game got off to a fantastic start. Dominating in the set pieces in the first half especially the scrum allowed the backs to run riot and it wasn't long before Matt Bleasdale found himself over the line though Hopkins [pictured] missed the subsequent conversion.

Clitheroe dominated in the line outs also with Will Spenceley Jones putting in a great shift in the air,whilst reveling in his new position in the back row of the scrum The Littlemoor men's dominance of the set pieces allowed for quick passes to be made and the backs to capitalise on space. JWB(2), Miles Sharples and Tom Capstick all grabbing themselves a try before the half was over. With Joe Hopkins making two conversions.

Bury did offer some threat in the first half but fantastic defending and communication meant Clitheroe went into the break leading 27-0.

The second half however for at least the first 20 minutes belonged to Bury. The changes they made in the scrum proved devastating and they capitalised on an unset defensive line allowing them to score their first of the day with the conversion also being made. Score 27-7 to Clitheroe.

Clitheroe had to react quickly as this spell as pressure wasn't part of the script and reply they did with Jake Proctor literally shouting his way over the line after some fantastic phases from Clitheroe. A popular score for the home fans Hopkins making the conversion. Clitheroe lead 34-7.

Bury were keen to show that they weren't quite done just yet and managed to score themselves another try from some great work by their forwards. The try itself being scored by John Proctor[pic], the player Bury borrowed from Clitheroe.. Paradoxically the try for the opposition scored by Procter , uncle of Clitheroes' Jake, proved as popular as all the others. Great reward for a top club man. The conversion however was missed. 34-12 Clitheroe.

With little time left and the win looking like a formality for Clitheroe the final nail in the coffin came from Gaz Pickup. After a lovely chip from JH over the defence Pickup managers to scoop up the ball weave past two defenders and score. JH missing the conversion.

In the end a comfortable victory, one that was much needed with a long away trip to Upper Eden RFC in Kirby Stephen to look forward to this weekend.

Final score, Clitheroe win 39-12.

by JT