Clitheroe Cavaliers 39 Colne & Nelson 17

The first league game for the Cavaliers saw them play local rivals
Colne & Nelson. With a team mixed with experience and youth, this was
going to be an exciting encounter against a historically strong
opposition.
The game set off at a relatively quick pace with the home side using
their powerful forwards to gain hard yards up the middle of the pitch. A series of quick pick and drives saw them camp in the opposition 22 metre line; an infringement at the breakdown gave full back Declan Fitzhenry an opportunity to draw first blood - and he did so with
the deadly precision, as he slotted the penalty to put the Cavaliers 3
points ahead. The following 20 minutes followed a similar pattern with
the Cavaliers imposing themselves in all facets of forward play. Danny
Cowgill hasn't lost his touch in the line out over the closed season,
Richard Murray still proving to be a handfull with ball in hand and
veterans Matt Dugdale and Bill Thatcher are still proving their worth in the tight.
It was left to new hooker Aaron Atkinson to get the first
try of the game. From a well worked line out he bulldozed his way over
the line from close quarters. Fitzhenry was on hand to get the conversion.

Midway through the half Colne & Nelson broke their shackles and
imposed themselves for a period which saw them come away with a
converted try; a well worked try which saw their confidence
reinvigorate. Following their successfull attack Mark Jackson had to
retire with an injury he as manfully replaced by Mark Piercy a colt
playing his first senior rugby. Piercy was straight into the fray with
a series of good drives and hard tackles and looked right at home.

It wasn't all down to the forwards however, the backline being
successfully marshaled by Lee Harris were having a storming game. Dave
Fairhurst and James Dickinson linked up well in the centres and new
boys Matt Bleasdale and Sam Thornber impressing on the wings.

At half time skipper Windy Rawstron asked the team to keep their
composure and concentration. A couple of changes were made with Ben
Rigby and Tom Redfearn entering the fray. Tom who has never played the
game before had a cracking half with some searing runs and tackles to
die for; a real star in the making.

The second half started brightly again for the home side with Piercy
getting his first try in his first senior game, he was deservedly well
chuffed. However, Colne & Nelson weren't going down quietly and
managed to score another couple if tries to put them back in
contention. It took two more tries from the Cavaliers to close the
game out; the first being set up sweetly by Sam Thornber who set off
on a mazy run though the opposition defence and then off loading
unselfishly to ageless winger Brian Wood. The next came from Aaron Atkinson for his second of the day with a move straight from the training park; a sweet move which saw him take the ball at the front of the line out and bulldoze his way through the unsuspecting winger. Fitzhenry was on hand to slot the conversion, to up his personal tally for the day.
His kicking as well as his general play won him the man of the match,
which was well deserved.

All credit to the team especially the youngsters for this successful
first game. With further practice on the training paddock the
opportunities for success are well and truly in their hands.