2nds Succumb to the Park

Clitheroe played host to Hawcoat 2nd team on Saturday. The visitors having to travel 2 hours in order to play.

The team saw Nathan Peel, Stuart Railton, Chris Birchall, Aaron Shread[pic] and Rob Spencley Jones back for their first appearances this season. Steve Dowson and Kirk Kenyon returning from injury to an ever changing side.

The home team started strongest, some good phase play saw Dave Watson pass to Jamie Taylor and a neat offload to Stuart Railton saw him put Nathan Peel in for the first try. With Matt Furbish converting.

From the restart HP won a scrum due to a knock on and immediately equalised with fast ball down the wing. Conversion also made.

The back row of Andrew Thornber, RSJ an JT seemed to work well with each of them taking the ball into contact and finding space. Jamie Taylor being the benefactor of some great pod play found himself with the simple task of falling over the line. No finesse from the captain.

Again HP equalised. Cancelling out the hard work from the lads. Going in even at half time.

Matt Furbish, Gary Pickup and Simon Gretton all put their bodies on the line defensively making some game changing tackles when it mattered. Due to a few handling errors the opposition got many a scrum and they were both equal with Will Jones at hooker.

HP eventually managed to counter many of Clitheroes consistent attacking and saw them put 6 second half tries past the home team converting only 3.

Roger Holmes, John Pundy and Steve Dowson all made second half appearances for Clitheroe and offered their vast experience to the game but ultimately HP came win.

The home team put up a good fight against what was clearly a organised team who play together week in week out. Signs of hope for the home team and some exciting play from new players and others maturing it's set to be a interesting season.

Report by JT