2's Fall Short at Fylde

Clitheroe's 2nd team made the trip to Fylde this weekend to play Fyldes 4th team, aka Fylde Vandals.

With some, not unusual, last minute changes to new skipper Jamie Taylor's team Clitheroe found them selves a man a few short with 10 minutes to kick off.
Fortunately scrum half Dan Smith, coming direct from a sampling the Berlin nightlife, made it with minutes to spare. Closely followed by the Thornber brothers -Andrew and Richard along with new recruit Matt Furbush, which left them just a man shy of full complement.

The pack had a mix of age in the shape of John Procter , sporting a dazzling pair of brand new day-glow boots - ensuring another season at least, and youth with dynamic back row man John Norman .
The back line led by Matt Bleasdale playing out of position at out half, still looked strong with the likes of Graham Hanson and scuttling Joe Smith to the fore

On a hot day and on a superb playing surface, the game got of to an ideal start for Clitheroe with Joe Smith (pic) being the benefactor of a neat scrum from Clitheroe and a quick pop to him allowed him to weave his way through the defence and score.

The small travelling support were soon in fine voice from the touch line.

Fylde reapplied pressure from the restart in an attempt to take advantage of their numerical superiority. This they did but not after some valiant defence from Clitheroe with each individual putting their bodies on the line. John Noman, who most of the older pack members were relying on to do all the running about for them, unfortunately picked up and injury and was subbed off and replaced. Fylde sportingly lent a player from their massed ranks, who was mysteriously known only as Rolo. Rolo slotted in at second row and Jamie Taylor dropped in seemlesly at 8.

More great tries on the day from Daniel Smith, Matt Bleasdale, debutante Matt Furbish and even Rolo, who enjoyed handing off several of his 'team mates' on the way, saw a weakened Clitheroe team put 25 points on Fylde. Unluckily Bleasedale forgot to pack his kicking boots so their were no extras.
Special mention to; Austin Wensley who had his work cut out on the wing but put in some fantastic cover tackles, Aussie Dan Jones who had a productive game at lock as did Tom Hardman who got better as the game progressed at loose head prop.

Fylde's numerical advantage took its toll eventually on Clitheroe who remained valiant throughout. Some fast play from them took advantage of the overlap on the wings and thy scored several tries much to their relief. Some smart set price plays also saw them score several points. 44 in total.
Many thanks to water boy/ foghorn Kirk Kenyon - much appreciated big man.

Final score 44-25 to Fylde.

The team showing great spirit and giving a good performance with a weakened team which is set to be at full strength next week for what promises to be a better performance.