Brilliant response from Tubber's Twenty

Clitheroe 2nds had come unstuck against Preston Grasshoppers and their Fijian connection and could easily have done what some other clubs might have done and brought in some higher level players in to ensure the win, especially with Clitheroe 1sts having a week off. However, that's not the way Captain Tubber wished to play it and instead he took a full-fledged 2nds squad of 20, champing at the bit.

Fleetwood, ably skippered by Andy Storey, had their own issues and had to scramble a side together just prior to kick off, such was their need for resources this week. He managed it though but after a few minutes he possibly wished he hadn't bothered, as Clitheroe tore into the opposition from the off, culminating in a try in the opening minute. The ball was taken by the forwards from the kick off and after the ball was recycled quickly, tyro centre Oli McLean stretched his legs down the left before passing onto veteran winger Simon Gretton. Gretton had much to do and despite having a long paper round that same morning, he showed a burst of speed to round the opposition full back and to dot down in the left corner. Clitheroe were off to a 5-0 lead after Keough pushed the conversion wide.

The front row, in Thornber, Edmondson and Murray were holding their own against a solid Fleetwood visiting front row whilst Dowson and Farnsworth in the boiler room were marauding around the pitch, hitting every breakdown with a verve that was perhaps missing form the whole team last week. Finally, in the forwards, the back row of Harper, Hayton and Bolton were performning brilliantly, especially in attack, where they were linking well with Brown and Sharples, creating a sound platform for the backs moves that were coming thick and fast. Bartle at inside centre was enjoying his first game back this season, especially when he could pass the ball onto McLean, who had scored 5 tries in two games before this fixtures started. In the back three, Jordan Cook was getting more ball than he had seen through the season so far, Keough was returning to his threatening self, especially when returning the ball from deep whilst Gretton was the icing on the cake, especially when he added his second try on the 19 minute mark. It was Sharples who'd made the initial turnover with some robust tackling and he followed this with a mazy run from deep on the left side of the field before looping the ball to a rampaging Gretton who took he ball clearly for the second time in the game to score in the corner. This was excellent play from Clitheroe and things were going well.

Alex Bolton was next on the scoresheet after Keough had once again, returned the ball from in his own half following a desperate Fleetwood clearance. Keough evaded 4 tacklers before passing well to his left to feed Bolton, who showed good speed and strength to power over. A couple of minutes later, Sharples chased up on a bobbling ball, that was just missed by McLean, He scooped it up and scored again down the left to take it to 24-0 in Clitheroe's favour.

Next it was the turn of the forwards to show up well. Murray, playing a full game at tight head took the ball up with deceptive speed and no mean level of strength and nearly made a try for No.8 Bolton. It was left to, first Dowson, then Thornber, to drive the ball forward before the ball was moved quickly left for McLean to score on the left. This certainly was a classic team score if there ever was one- Baabaas eat your heart out! So, at half time, Clitheroe had forged a commanding 29-0 lead and Fleetwood, despite their hefty forward pack, hadn't really been in the game.

Into the second half, Mark Piercy and Ben Rigby came on for Chris Harper and two-try hero Gretton whilst ever-dependable winger Caunce again put his hand up to play for the opposition when they'd dropped to 14 men. It's obvious he wants to play more and will play for the opposition every chance he gets! Anyway, back to the game…. Matt Bartle received the ball in midfield and shipped the ball left and after good interplay between forwards Ben Rigby received the ball with plenty to do. He jinked right, then right again before passing back to the move originator Bartle, who showed deft hands and a subtle hip swerve to dummy his opponent and score on the right. Clitheroe were off and running in the second half. Only three minutes later it was the turn of Sharples who scored an excellent second try and a rare Keough conversion made the score 41-0. At that point, Fleetwood, like a slumbering giant, seemed to wake up and spent nearly 10 minutes banging away at the Clitheroe line. Only stout defending, especially from Bolton and Sharples kept Fleetwood to a solitary try.

Into the last quarter of the match Clitheroe pressed on the accelerator pedal once more. First the forwards mauled effectively to give Dowson a well-worked try then they combined once again to send the backs on a 50 yard run. The glad recipient at the end of the move was winger Jordan Cook. He's plugged away over recent weeks without scoring but this try was just rewards for such a keen player. Surely there are plenty more tries to come from this lad. In virtually the final move of the game, centre Bartle was just about to score what would have been a good return in what was a fine performance from the veteran back. However, with the line at his mercy he uncharacteristically took his eye off the ball and spilled it just yards short. Next time eh Matt?!

Other mentions go to subs Harrison and Jackson who blended in well in a great team performance under Captain Thornber. Man of the match was awarded, not for the first time this season, to James Sharples. His all round game, especially in attack, has been superb in recent weeks and he's guided the team well from fly half. Hayton and Bolton were equally impressive and ran Sharples close but it was the fly half's game management that put him on top.

So, Clitheroe go into this Saturday's home fixture against Tyldesley in fine form, in second place in the league. The visitors won their first two games and although they've faltered since, it'll be a close-fought game at Littlemoor. Come on down to support the lads and enjoy the rugby in the bar later too. The 1sts are away at Ashton-under-Lyne and hope to break their duck, especially after coming close to winning in recent matches.