We always look forward to a visit from old friends Carnforth, especially as it usually delivers some close fought games and always some entertaining after-game camaraderie. However, despite both teams enjoying the day as always, after the final whistle had blown, Carnforth had to endure a long game where Clitheroe strode out clear winners on the scoreboard, continuing their good run of form with a third successive 50+ points win.

Kev's men started the game well with their experienced and sizeable forwards taking the game to the hosts. It only took a minute before Tubber's side had transgressed and had given the opportunity of 3 points to Carnforth. Luckily for Clitheroe that chance slipped wide. Seeing Carnforth start so well wasn't all bad for the home team as it gave them notice that they needed to work hard to get going against such an experienced and spirited side. A few minutes later Keough found a little space to squeeze through on the right and after some short quick passing the ball came to centre Hardy who scored his first try of the season. Keough slotted what looked to be an difficult opening kick to take the score to 7-0 with only 5 minutes played.

Over the next 15 minutes, Clitheroe kept up the pressure, with Carnforth desperate to keep them out. Despite this pressure, Clitheroe couldn't convert it in to points. Scrum half Brown was lucky to keep his head after a high tackle but he kept on plugging away, keeping his forwards going and releasing to the backs at just the right time. It was to be his half back partner, Sharples at 10, who broke the deadlock. He chipped deftly behind the defence and together with winger Cook, he put enormous pressure on true Carnforth full back. His clearance was poor, was gobbled up by prop Procter and he straightened up well before offloading to the supporting backs. It was debutant Garth Spencer who benefitted and despite having much to do to finish off the try, he dotted down in the corner to score his first try for Clitheroe RUFC. This was quickly followed up by a try from No.8 Farnsworth who took a quick tap penalty before smashing through 3 tacklers to score.

The tide then briefly turned as Carnforth exerted pressure of their own. Only great defence by full back Keough stopped a certain try by the robust visiting centre but he couldn't repeat his heroic tackling exploits as the Carnforth No.8 broke through the previously unbleached home team defence to score in the corner. Clitheroe hit back hard with 2 tries before half time. Firstly, a good steal at the line out by Newton gave backs great ball. Sharples linked well with centre Bartle and then Hardy to set him free to score his second try, this time under the posts. Next it was the turn of Bartle to score as he picked a superb reverse running line to split open the Carnforth defence. The half time whistle blew with Clitheroe in a commanding 33-5 lead.

The second half kicked off with Tubber looking to drive his men on to secure the game. Bartle took heed straight away and having score the last try of the first half he proceeded to score the first of the second; his outrageous dummy foxing his opposite number. At this point Clitheroe really turned on the boosters. Tries followed in quick succession from sub Hough, a player returning to rugby after an extended cricket season, and fly half Sharples, who again showed great fast hands and an excellent eye for the try line.

Carnforth did hit back on 55 minutes with a try of their own, despite losing one of their second rows to a nasty looking leg injury. It was great to hear after the game that although he needed hospital treatment, he hadn't broken anything and indeed, could be back to play next weekend such is the measure of the man!

Clitheroe revelled in the last 15 minutes of the game as they scored 4 more tries. The Clitheroe forwards were dominating the close exchanges and Sharples was in his element, getting good quick ball via Brown. Firstly, Cook scored in the corner, then Rob Woolley, another playing his first game for the club, showed incredible strength to power over through numerous tackles. The next try came from Spencer after good work from Hough then not long after came the try of the match perhaps as Hough, playing in the second row as is his position these days, showed some skill any back would be proud of by escaping some hefty tackles before offloading brilliantly to Spencer at the last minute allowing him to score his hat-trick on debut. A brilliant way to finish the game, for the home side at least.

Man of the match this week was certainly keenly contested. Dowson was a man mountain in the pack whilst Hough gave a real dynamism to the forward performance when he came on. Keough managed a 75% kicking accuracy rate, a significant improvement on recent weeks whilst Sharples controlled the game superbly from 10 and the Hardy/Bartle centre partnership is certainly flourishing as they managed 4 tries between them. However, it was debutant winger Garth Spencer who took the award for his hat-trick and overall tenacious attitude to the game throughout.

Finally, I must mention a very big thank you to the travelling contingent from Carnforth. They were competitive through and were excellent value in the clubhouse afterwards. This is what rugby is all about!

Next week, Clitheroe 2nds will have to be on their mettle as they travel to Thornton Cleveleys to play Pete Rae's side. They're also doing well this season and will possibly be the sternest test of the season to date for Thornber's side, who remain 2nd in the table, one game and 7 points behind unbeaten Leigh 4ths.