Clitheroe’s discipline costs them in home defeat

Clitheroe entertained Ashton on a heavy Littlemoor pitch in a game that would have guaranteed a home semi final had the hosts been victorious.

Despite a couple of absences (as ever) the home side fielded a strong line up but it was the visitors who were the fastest out of the block.
In conditions that suited a forwards based game, Ashton showed the hosts how it was done and scored 2 tries to lead 10-0 and Clitheroe had barely started.

The hosts replied with an effective driving maul with Sam Thornber applying the finishing touch and the hosts were back in the game. However Clitheroe’s play never flowed, and it was repeatedly interrupted by a lack of discipline that has been an issue for the team this season. This is an area that must be improved if Clitheroe are going to make a success of the season.

A couple of penalties were added by Cuddy and the hosts were leading 11-10 and confidence was high that victory and further points would come. But it was Ashton who scored next as Clitheroe were down to 14 for another yellow card to Chamberlain.

You could not doubt the commitment of the hosts, but they had neither the guile or patience to score the points that the talent of the team undoubtably possess. Rucking was a problem and slow ball didn’t allow for any space to be created.

Worse was to follow as Schinkel was shown a red card for punching but even then Clitheroe had the chances to win the game. The fact that they didn’t was down to poor decision making and they were on the wrong end of some of the referees decisions.

You couldn’t blame the referee, Clitheroe’s lack of discipline had seen the benefit of any 50/50 decisions completely gone.
The least said about this the better. Ashton were the better side on the day and the deserved victors.

It must be said that this team has the quality to make this season a success....if they learn from their mistakes. If commitment scored points they would win every week, but intelligence is also required. Hopefully it will appear soon!