Ginger Tom Purr-fect Three

Clitheroe climb to third position after a hard fought game against
local rivals Burnley.
It really was a game of contrasting tactics with the Burnley team
choosing as expected to keep the game tight through their bulky 'old
head' forwards. Playing similar teams over previous weeks Clitheroe
had learnt the hard lessons and chose to use their speedy back row and
back line and not get embroiled in an arm wrestle which they wouldn't
win.
The game started well for the home side with them dominating at line
out and at ruck and maul. They used an extremely effective pick and
drive which the Cavaliers were struggling to subdue. After 15 minutes
the home team scored their solitary try which they failed to convert.
Normally the Cavaliers would have fallen into this game plan but not
on this watch. They began to recycle ball at the breakdown and pass
down the line at every opportunity. It was from one of these dynamic
moves that the ball was passed to speedy youngster Tom Redfearn who
scored his first of three tries in the match; a real feat for a player
who hadn't seen a rugby ball up until two months ago. He rightly won
the man of the match award closely shadowed by Sam Thornber who was
having a fantastic game in the blindside position.
It wasn't all down to the youngsters however, senior players also made
their impact known through some strong tackling which kept the
opposition at bay. Two of the three tries were converted by Lee Harris
and Bill Thatcher.
A fantastic result which is galvanising the team and making it
challenging for returning players who will want to retain their former
positions. A great place to be for the selectors it has to be said.
Next week the Cavaliers play host to Preston Grasshoppers 6th team;
another team with an abundance of experience in key positions.