Back in winning ways

The mighty 2's travelled to Garstang on Saturday for what rightly proved a very challenging and hard fought game.
Welcoming back father and son duo Giz and Lewis Williams, Clitheroe had extra height and experience creating a very respectable 'on paper' squad.
Arriving at the ground in dribs and drabs they really didn't look fully focused at the pre kickoff warm up and run through.
A tough first scrum was the clarion call to wake up the tight 5 and they never took a backward step again all afternoon!
Garstang strangely, had had a photo shoot just before kick off that looked every bit like a premature celebration. 2 penalties converted in quick succession and they looked content with their pre match prediction.
Despite tough tackling, Clitheroe always seemed under pressure so it was left to the super reliable boot of Mitch Mathers to give the 2's a much needed boost.
Pocket powerhouse Struan, despite not long married, found the energy to nip over for the first try of the afternoon.Mitch Marshalled a further first class kick and the game was on.
Just before halftime the home side made a decisive break and an unconverted try sent the Littlemoor men into the break, 11:10 against.
A team talk to remind everyone of the positives did the trick and the opening score of the second half was a bulldozer of a charge from veteran prop Smith from a 10 yard penalty.
Short lived though was the lead, as once again Clitheroe took their foot off the gas and the home side converted a further try.
18:17 seemed unfair at this point with the front row taking ball against the head at will and the backs battering the Big Garstang side.
Back in the opposition half and skipper Thornber backed Eminent kicker Mitch to once again nudge Clitheroe into the lead from a penalty opportunity.
Back at ya! Garstang bounced back with a further great kick from deep and now it was 21:20.
Forwards pressure from Clitheroe again created great set play for the, by now free flowing backs who looked threatening ever time they advanced ball in hand.
Finally, a strong break from Miles Sharples gave him real space to power down the left wing for a well deserved try. If he keeps the same form on Saturday it cannot be long before he is no longer eclipsed by his sibling James in a Clitheroe shirt!
MM once again proved he is the real (fairly) slim shady with his peerless boot and it was now 21:27 with the lead Clitheroe's to defend.
A fragile 5 minute cameo from The Skippers boy and Struan was back in the fray.
Ralph Rigby was belying his 50 years and was this week learning to avoid 'the big handoff' putting in a solid display.
Then in the dying seconds of the game the ever ready Garstang pounced on the
'foot off the gas 'Clitheroe.
Scoring in the far right hand corner Garstang put themselves back in the running but left their kicker the unenviable task of kicking almost from touch and into the sun.
What a relief as it hit the bar and bounced clear! An excellent kick but thankfully, no 2 points.
A final score of 26:27 and Clitheroe's nerves from the last two games evaporated!
All the squad gave their all and selfless substitutions enabled everyone some game time.
A perfect score to carry the mighty 2's into this Saturdays home clash against Rossendale.
Bring it on!