Weld-Blundell Hat-Trick Not Enough

Clitheroe played host to Vale of Lune under misty conditions down at Littlemoor.

Welcoming some old but familiar faces into the team with the likes of Bob Wilkinson and Darren Jackson blowing the dust off their boots. A new face in the form of Steve Korney on the bench also eagerly waiting to get on the field for a spot of rugby.

The home team started strong with great work at the breakdown. The away team brought a solid pack so this appeared to be a game for the backs of which there was plenty of pace. Pace coming in the form of JWB who picked up the ball in the home teams half and weaved his way through several defenders before scoring into the corner. The conversion however was missed due to the conditions. Clitheroe 5-0.

it was then Vales turn to reply and with some powerful running from their forwards they soon did so with a try of their own and the subsequent try also converted. Vale of Lune 7-5.

Almost instantly Vale responded with another try from a similar play, some missed tackles and quick passes saw them in for a second try. With the conversion also made. VOL 14-5.

Clitheroe knew they had to respond as it felt the game was slipping away from them. This they did at the scrum some fast hands down the line saw Mark Preston score in the far corner for the second try of the day. Matt Bleasdale missing the conversion. VOL 14-10.

Just when Clitheroe looked as they were looking as a comeback was on Vale as they had all the first hlf left the work to their forwards. From a scrum in opposition territory they passed the ball to their wingers and an overlap saw them in for another try but a missed conversion. VOL 19-10 into the break.

Some inspiring words at half time and some subs off the bench at half time saw Clitheroe prepared for the battle that would be the second half. Richard Thornber coming off for the Steve Korney to make his debut for the 2nds and he didn't look out of place at all slotting into second row.

The second half saw JWB weave his magic again similar to his first try and saw him pull Clitheroe back to within 4 points of Vale, the conversion however was missed. VOL 19-15.

In what seem to be a reoccurring theme on the day Vales forwards ran over the backs of Clitheroe creating space all over the field and this allowed them to score yet another try. Conversion not made. VOL 24-15.

From the restart Clitheroe made a few handling errors which saw Vale force Clitheroe deep into their own half but a knock on from Vale meant a Clitheroe scrum. However miscommunication between the pack and the backs lead a Vale player sneaking in scooping up the ball and scoring another try, the conversion was made also. VOL 31-15.

At this point Clitheroe knew they had work to do with less than 20 minutes to play. A glimmer of hope for Clitheroe game in the form of a yellow card for Vale as a high tackle saw the ref impose the new law.

Dave Watson, the skipper picked up an injury and was substituted off for Richard Murray. The team itself was altered to fit the injury saw Jamie Taylor who started in second row, move into the front row into loose head only to then drop back into the back row at 8. A true utility player.

Clitheroe used the one man advantage to great success with Stuart Rail ton who played brilliant all day receiving a pass from Taylor and weaving his way past three defenders and successfully if albeit luckily managing to place the ball over the try line after a barrage of tackles. Bleasedale also managing his first conversion of the day much to his delight. VOL still lead 31-22.

From the restart Clitheroe pressed and pressed and were finally rewarded with another try from JWB his third of the day. A fantastic scoop from a dropped Vale ball saw him burst through and score into the corner. Taylor optimistically trying for the conversion but it was wide....well wide.

This was the final play of the game/ VOL 31- 27 Clitheroe.

All round a good game and fantastic support.

JT