Once upon a time in the days before rugby got all serious with leagues, promotion and relegation, and when the try was only worth four points and their was no replacements allowed.

In those misty days of yore, rugby teams from Clitheroe would frequently travel over the border into Yorkshire to play teams from Ilkley, Otley, Keighley and the like. Also regulars on the fixture card were Skipton RFC.

League rugby put a stop to all that; but the unexpected opportunity to squeeze in a friendly with our near neighbours was too good to resist.

The 1st XV's scheduled opposition had called off with a waterlogged pitch by midday Friday, fortuitously it was noticed that Skipton 2's were searching for a game. By Saturday dinner time the Littlemoor pitch was also deemed unplayable also; so a mixed squad of 21 set sail for Sandylands home of the White Rose side.

A slight problem was the lack of referee, but one of the Skipton players volunteered for the tricky job. An although only a novice with the whistle he did a tremendous job and kept order perfectly allowing both sets of players to play an open game. Many thanks Sir!

Unfortunately, for the home side anyway, Clitheroe had a bit too much pace and craft, which was evident from very early on.

When from the kick off Clitheroe attacked down the left, then recycled and spun the ball to the right, there was an easy overlap for wingman James Dickinson to score his first of two tries after just two minutes of play.

He bookended the half scoring again in the 39th minute. But in between times No.8 James Haynes had grabbed a hat-trick and Joe Weld-Blundell had also crossed the whitewash.

Joe Hopkins converted three to wrap up the first period with Clitheroe 36 points to the good.

The with a full bench there was the opportunity to make plenty of changes at the interval.

It was great to see Dan 'Smudge' Smith get back into a 1st XV shirt along with Darren Eagle and Luke Hayton – both who'd been out injured for several weeks.

There was also the majestic sight of hefty prop James Pate returning to the colours after a few years absence from the game. He joined an experienced front row of hooker Adam Penney and evergreen and ageless John Procter.

The second period was played in a similar fashion to the first. Perhaps some lack of cohesion was to be expected after so many changes.

But it didn't take long for Smith to remind everyone of his talent for sniffing the try line was unabated, scampering over for a quick-fire brace of tries.

Lewis Hardman was on the score-sheet for the second week in succession – not bad for a second row forward.

Then Weld-Blundell rounded off the scoring after having a fine outing in the outside centre postion.

Three more conversions for Hopkins wrapped it up for Clitheroe to take the spoils of victory back over the border.

Food for thought then for the Clitheroe selectors, with many players putting their hands up for a starting position.

The centre partnership of the Joe Hopkins and Joe Weld-Blundell along with Marco Vaghetti at fly half looked sharp and creative, with no shortage of pace. Débutante wingman David Seed showed a few neat touches and will be a contender as his match sharpness returns.

In the pack both Dickenson brothers continue to impress and the return of Hayton and Eagle only strengthens the squad further.

With only three replacements allowed in league games, unfortunately it is clear someone will miss out.

But this was a day to enjoy, a little like old times for the older members. And well done to Skipton for hosting Clitheroe at such short notice.