Hawcoat Do the Double

League leaders Hawcoat Park do the double over the Cavaliers in back to back games.
Last week the Cavaliers travelled to Barrow in Furness, this week saw the reverse fixture at sunny Littlemoor.
Captain Windy Rawstron was confident that his young charges (with the odd splatering of 'old heads') could learn from their previous encounter and really take the game to the visitors. The opening exchanges demonstrated this intent with barnstorming runs from new boy Patrick Gaughan playing on the blindside with his fellow back row of Scott Heptonstall and Linden Ross they really got in amongst it. The back line being ably led by Simon Gretton was also having some great runs through the 'big centres' of regulars Dave Fairhurst and Keiron Keough. The opening 10 minutes could really have gone to either side however Hawcoat drew first blood with a soft try which they didn't manage to convert.
The Cavaliers line out was their one area of strength with Danny Cowgill and Gaughan winning all of their ball and getting their fingers to much of Hawcoats. The scrummage on the other hand was being put under pressure from the bulky lads from Barrow and took some time to settle down.
At half time the visitors were only two tries in front and Clitheroe were certainly in the game. The opening exchanges in the second half showed that Hawcoat were nervous; an opportunity for a penalty 10 metres from the Cavaliers try line resulted in a missed kick; an opportunity which you would have expected them to run. A real morale booster for the Cavaliers.
The introduction of Adam Williamson and new boy Craig Holland into the second row in the second half certainly settled the scrum and swapping Richard Murray into the captains tighthead position also assisted in this endevour so much so that they even managed to take a couple against the head.
The second half was a patchy affair with Clitheroe in the ascendancy in parts with superb running from full back Leeban Clemmey just not quite breaking the shackles of the cover defence. Wingers Johnny Walker and Harry Thompson also made some mazy runs but were caught short of the line. However, Hawcoat then had their moments where they played total rugby with all departments functioning well. They managed to score two more tries one of which was converted. Their real strength however was their solid defence which didn't give way to the preverbial kitchen sink which the Cavaliers were throwing at them; they certainly demonstrated their worth as league leaders.
An excellent game played in great spirit by both teams. The final score of 0-22 giving an improvement for the youngsters on last weeks efforts. The Captain was extremely proud of the Cavaliers efforts and believes they can go into their last six games plus their much awaiting 'Presidents match' v the Clitheroe 1st team with some confidence.
Finally, with a shortage to the first team due to Ginger Ricks stag do it was pleasing to see that second team regulars Pundy Proctor, Mark Piercy and Matt Bleasdale getting their deserved call up and their involvement in a good win over Upper Eden. Well done lads. Should cause the selectors some headaches for next week!!!

by S.R.