Clitheroe 2s boost survival chances.

Clitheroe 2s travelled down the M6 in the knowledge that only a win would do to help retain their current league status after a challenging season.

Orrell SJ have had a good season and are always tough opponents but the maroons squad was confident of being competitive.
The game commenced on a heavy surface but thankfully the weather was dry. The early exchanges were physical with Clitheroe's defensive line holding firm and when in possession the Maroons looked dangerous. And so it proved when Wensley, who had a great game, completed a move with good footwork to touch down under the posts. Peel added the extras and a good start for the visitors.
Clitheroe gradually took ascendancy with solid ball being provided from the pack. Pate and Chamberlain were strong with and without ball and Graves and Captain Thornber (pic) combined well in the set piece and the loose.

The combination of Peel and Railton worked well with Eagle and Bleasdale benefiting from the space created. Bleasdale scored another try as he continues his rich vein of form and Peel added the extras and a penalty and the maroons were leading 17-0.

The hosts are strong and came back into it with a try before Seed finished a superb move to score his first try of the game from full back. Peel, who was kicking well, added the extras and a further penalty.
Orrell SJ refused to lie down and continued to look dangerous, even when down to 14 after a yellow card was received for a transgression. And the hosts got their reward with a try under the posts which was duly converted.

This seemed to galvanise Clitheroe again and Graves, who seemed to be injured, saw the try line beckoning and made a miraculous recovery to scamper under posts to score an excellent try. Peel converted, Graves remembered his injury and was replaced by the ageless Procter. Graves return to the team has been a real boost and it is hoped the injury is temporary. Further tries were added by Peel and the excellent Seed and at half time the score was 48-12.

Plain sailing? These matters never are!

The second half was all about Orrell SJ. They dominated possession and and their territorial superiority showed with them scoring 2 converted tries early on. Seed was replaced by Dickenson at full back and Chamberlain was replaced by Hayton in the pack. Whereas the first half was all about attacking, the second half was all about defence.
As ever Rigby was everywhere, and he was very well supported by Farnworth and Kenyon who disrupted well and carried strongly when possible. Dickenson s appearance was short lived as he aggravated an injury and Gretton slotted into full back and Penny went to the wing. Gretton displayed his unquestionable bravery in his tackling and his example has been second to none this season.

With fingernails bitten it was up to Railton to put us at ease as he intercepted a pass and ran the length of the Orrell SJ half to touch down under the posts. For once Peel missed but the game was over with Thornber's men winning 26-53.

A great win and Rigby, Pate, Kenyon, Peel and Eagle all had strong games. Man of the match was Railton who had an excellent day.

Next game at home is Southport for Clitheroe 1s who need to win to assure themselves of promotion. Please come and support as all are welcome.