Ormskirk show their strength out wide

Clitheroe visited Green Lane, Ormskirk for the second time in a few weeks and although travelling a couple short of a full team and coming away with a loss, they still played some spirited and at times super brand of rugby and did the Ribble Valley proud.

With a few late cry offs, the Clitheroe team were up against it and undoubtedly, with a full side they would have been contesting for a win in this game. The two victories in previous weeks have obviously given this team a renewed vigour for attack and after a tryless first half for Clitheroe and Ormskirk scoring 5 of their own, Clitheroe set about showing the travelling supporters what they could do. It's not that we should ignore the first half; Clitheroe attacked well but really let themselves down in not working hard enough in defence and lessons will surely be learned before next Sunday both in the individual reflection and team workouts during the training session this coming week.

So after starting the second half 31-0 down, Clitheroe found their attacking stride. First, prop Calton-Whitaker bulldozed his way over in what was his strongest game of the season so far. Not only was he hard to stop with the ball in hand, his defence was uncompromising. Soon after, a Clitheroe scrum in the heart of the Ormskirk 22 was won and the ball moved quickly from right to left for Duck to score in the corner. Ormskirk were perhaps ruing their decision to change their team at half time. If they weren't after the 2nd try then they were after the third. A super break was made down the left flank by Duck, who was having a good game on the wing where his try-scoring record is brilliant. He stood up his oppositive number, which bought just enough time to create the space on the outside. As he was hauled down, he had the presence of mind to pass to the on-rushing centre Stanley, who did a great job of finishing off a fine Clitheroe attack.

The final Clitheroe try was on the stroke of full time. With Clitheroe forcing penalty after penalty on the Ormskirk try line, Calton-Whitaker once again showed his strength and determination to cross the whitewash.

Overall, despite shipping 50 points, Clitheroe know where they need to improve and showed that even with a man down against a good attacking side in Ormskirk, they can keep scoring themselves.

The young forwards did well at ruck and eventually at scrum time whilst the backs overall really clicked. Aspin, playing both back row and centre had a fine game once again and Stanley and Duck stood out with their attacking incisiveness from the back line. The Man of the Match was Tom Calton-Whitaker; he showed a real strength and athleticism that we know he's capable of and led from the front, literally.

Next Sunday, Clitheroe host local rivals Colne & Nelson, Kick off 12:30 on Sunday. C&N have struggled to find their winning form at the start of the conference season, most likely due to them playing some of the better sides in the league. After a reverse at Littlemoor in the Prelim season, Clitheroe know what they need to do to beat what is an adept Colne & Nelson side.