The hard working visitors never gave up but they were not at full strength, with many of their players away at the RL Grand Final.
Paradoxically Clitheroe travel to the same opposition in the cup this week. A far sterner test will await them.

However that is for the future.

Clitheroe did have their own injury worries. Jamie Farrell filled the large boots of Ralph Rigby who was out with a tweaked groin. Plus with a dearth of available props, up stepped the ever reliable John Procter to don the No.3 jersey. On the bench there was a welcome return to the 1st XV squad for full back Martin Lafrancheschina along with the imposing presence of new back row man Peni Bevu.

Clitheroe opened the scoring after just five minutes when young wing man Joe Weld-Blundell scampered over the whitewash, on his way to a hat trick of tries for the afternoon.

But it was a blistering ten minute spell in the middle of the first half where Clitheroe scored four tries that effectively killed the game off for the visitors.

A quick hat trick for the Captain Richard Few and one for openside flanker Richard Slinger put the game out of reach and enabled the maroons to relax and cut loose in the second half.

Not before West Park showed there was some fight left in them when the crossed for a converted try just before the interval.

So 44-7 and the call in the huddle was more of the same and an urge to keep the quality and execution of a high standard.

With Clitheroe making clever use of the rolling substitutions, keeping fresh legs on the park was never a problem.

South sea islander, Peni Bevu was introduced to the fray with a murmur of anticipation from the crowd – and although a little short of match fitness, didn't disappoint. Some strong charges, neat off loads and of course crunching tackles, plus a début try, made him an instant hit with the maroon and gold faithful.

Just as pleasing as seeing a quality newcomer on the pitch was the return of Martin Lafranceschina to the colours. Nearly two seasons out with a serious leg injury hadn't dented his eye for attack and his half hour cameo was richly rewarded with a try on comeback.

The second half saw another barrel load of tries. Weld-Blundell completed his hat trick and full back Mark Jackson finished probably the best move of the game to score under the sticks.
Joe Hopkins had an eventful afternoon, notching up five conversions before retiring with a bruised thigh.

Scrum half Skipper Few bagged a couple more and slotted four conversions to round off an excellent personal haul.

Clitheroe are beginning to develop a greater pool of players capable of playing 1st XV rugby and there is an exciting crop of young thrusters bringing fresh impetus to the team. There are still a number of excellent players waiting in the wings to return from injury which will only serve to strengthen both senior XV's.

A headache for the selectors ? Well maybe at times, but a nice problem to have.

**thanks to Steve Procter for the photographs.