2nds Gain Vital Win on the Road

Clitheroe took their 2nd team to Bolton in what was a must win game for the lads.

With a strong team selection and excellent bench the confidence was certainly high in the changing room.

The 2nds welcoming back Marco Vaghetti starting at 10, Daniel Smith at 9 and Sam Thornber slotting in at 8. James Pate, Luke Hayton, Will Spencely-Jones and Adam Penny all on the bench for the 2's.

Bolton started the game and from the first contact it was clearly going to be a very physical game.

Bolton started the stronger and Clitheroe found themselves camped under their posts valiantly defending but a penalty was awarded and converted meaning Bolton took the first points of the day.

Knowing the importance of a win Clitheroe quickly for their act together and some fantastic work from Kirk Kenyon, Sam Thornber and Jamie Taylor running changed the dynamic of the game and Bolton conceded a penalty at the half way line. MV kicking the ball to touch just short of Boltons 5m line. Clitheore's line out was fantastic and a quick set and maul allowed valuable yards and Sam Thornber barraged his way over the line. Try to Clitheroe. Jamie Taylor enthusiastically offering to take the conversion and rumours are that the ball is still being searched for, clearly not within his skill set.

Clitheroe lead 5-3.

From the restart Clitheroe quickly reapplied the same pressure and great work from Mitchel Jones and Stuart Railton allowed MV a platform to kick, the kick never made it to touch but some blistering pace from Josh Kay playing on the wing allowed him to get past the struggling full back kick it on and then questionably manage to get himself a try. The Clitheroe players not challenging the referees decision making. Mitchell Jones converting the try. Clitheroe lead 12-5.

Bolton clearly not happy with the referees decision quickly responded with a try of their own taking advantage of poor defending. The subsequent conversion was missed.

Clitheroe lead 12-8 at half time.

Clitheroe started the second full of intensity and defended fantastically against a strong Bolton side. From a ruck and a turn over by Jamie Taylor the ball went wide and eventually into touch for a line out which the ever present John "line backer" Norman stole the ball and from a few passes Sam Thornber soon found himself in for his second try of the day. MJ missing the conversion. Clitheroe lead 17-8.

Bolton again quickly responded from the restart immediately being awarded a scrum from which the scrum half peeled off and left several defenders grasping at air and Bolton scored again. Clitheroe still lead 17-13.

Not long into the second half with several players on the bench Luke H, James P and WSJ all got to come on replacing Pundy, Nobbs and Kirk Kenyon. Instantly adding to more strength in the pack.

This strength paid off as a Clitheroe scrum deep into Bolton territory managed to push itself over the line for Sam Thornber to get his hat trick. Clearly been taking lessons from his dad who managed one 2 weeks ago. The conversion was missed and that was the final play of the game.

Clitheroe win 22-13, a great display from the lads.

JT