Clitheroe 2nds make it two out of two.

12 of the 20 players who travelled to Holt House had played the previous week so the possibility to build on last week's win was certainly there. Added to those 12 were three young players who'd previously played for the 1sts, namely, James Sharples at fly half, Alex Bolton on the flank and Jordan Cooke on the wing. These players were to add a cutting edge and clinical attitude throughout this game. We also welcomed back Joe Newton, Brian Wood and Matt Bleasdale after the summer break and added in a couple of players new to the club to complete the full squad of 20 players, all eager to play.

It was a blisteringly hot day up on the top of the hill and the game started at a similarly hot pace. Unfortunately it was C&N who were dictating play using their forwards well. Clitheroe absorbed the substantial pressure for the first 10 minutes then started to believe in themselves a little more. The midfield pairing of Hardy and McLean were getting good ball from half backs Brown and Sharples and Clitheroe drove up field to good effect, thus reliving the pressure. On the 15 minute mark, Clitheroe had a chance to take the lead with a penalty but this was pulled wide by full back Keough. This only spurred on the visitors even more and after receiving the ball in midfield after a good set-piece by the Clitheroe pack and excellent midfield bursts from Hardy, his fellow centre McLean started off on a mazy run. This time he only eluded 5 defenders before scoring to the left of the posts. This was his 4th try in 2 games and although Keough couldn't add the extras it helped to set Clitheroe going.

Clitheroe turned the screw immediately and after a good attacking kick from scrum half Brown into the oppositions 22 was snaffled back up by the Clitheroe No.8, the ball was moved quickly between Hardy and the eventual try scorer Townsend. Again the conversion went wide. C&N hit back immediately and scored a try of their own but their fightback was to be short-lived as McLean again scorched in for a try from within his own half taking his tally to 5 for the season- not bad for his second game. The scoreline at half time stood at 15-7 in Clitheroe's favour.

Sharples at 10 showed up well defensively during the first half, as did Alex Bolton and it was these two who set about consolidating Clitheroe's lead in the second half. Firstly, Sharples made a clean break down the centre of the field, taking play into the C&N 22 and right wing Cook came close to scoring. Then, Bleasdale, now playing a full back, made one of his marauding runs and took play again deep into opposition territory before the Number 8 set up Bolton to score in the left corner. He followed this up soon after with a second and by this time Clitheroe were well on top, Colne & Nelson's spirit mostly broken. However, they had one last burst up field and only stout defence kept their score at 7 points. Finally, Sharples finished the game off with an excellent break and well-deserved try to push the final score to 34-7.

This was a fine win and despite not sticking to the game plan throughout it shows the level of promise in this team. The victory edged Clitheroe to the top of the table on points difference over Leigh 4ths, who themselves are just above the only other unbeaten team Tyldesley 3rds. This Saturday sees Preston Grasshoppers 6ths travel to Littlemoor. They've lost both their opening games but both losses have come to expected front-runners Leigh 4ths and Blackpool 1sts so nothing will be taken for granted. Kick off is at 3pm and all are welcome to come down to support and enjoy the tasty offerings both on and off the field.