Polar Win at Rochdale

Clitheroe journeyed to the superb facilities at Rochdale Rugby Club and came away with the points in the bag after a producing a workmanlike performance in atrocious conditions.

The home pitch was slightly elevated than the surrounding area, aiding the drainage. But even with the surface being reasonably firm there was a good covering of surface water and a few mini lakes in areas.
In summer it would have been good fun, but with strong easterly wind driven rain showers throughout the game it was devilishly cold on the fingers and it was a grim afternoon to be stood on the wing.

Not too bad for the forwards, huddled together for half the game like a colony of penguins on the Arctic tundra. Only breaking apart to chase the ball then swiftly waddle back together at scrum time to conserve body heat.

The maroons squad is looking a little more settled and proving difficult to get back into once the jersey has been surrendered.
Just the two changes from last weeks starting XV; into the pack came tight head prop James Pate and onto the left wing returned Joe Smith.

With the elements behind them in the first half Clitheroe spent an extraordinary length of time in the Rochdale 22 but just couldn't fashion a scoring move. Some excellent obdurate defence and a slippery ball kept them out for long periods.

But their patience was eventually rewarded. A driving maul was set up 15 metres out and inched relentlessly forward towards the line, when momentum appeared to be slowing even some of the backs joined in – whether this was to add weight to cause or just to keep warm is open to question. But it seemed to do the trick, as the seething mass of bodies splashed down over the line the ref was on the spot to award the try. Emerging from underneath it all with the ball was front row man Richard Edmondson.

Clithereoe hung onto the lead to the very briefest of half time intervals, before the turn round.

Now Rochdale had the strengthening wind at their back and they used it well pinning Clitheroe back with long raking kicks.

Clitheroe were forced to run out of defence on more than one occasion, only some good support play from backs and forwards alike saving any disasters.

Clitheroe seemed to be the fitter side and their willingness to run the ball was well rewarded mid way through the second half.

Loose ball on half way was moved through several pairs of hands to the left. Some good off loads and quick ruck ball was key to the continuity. Joe Smith being the lucky recipient of the scoring pass to double the Littlemoor men's tally.

Rochdale did not lie down and went through a lung bursting purple patch of their own. Only after some epic defending, did the score come – right under the posts - to put the home team back in the game.

Clitheroe now redoubled their efforts, determined not to let this one slip away. It is fair to say that Clitheroe finished the stronger and with some good game management kept Rochdale out of range for the rest of the game.

Both teams should be congratulated on their willingness to play some open rugby in spite of conditions more conducive to water polo than rugby.

A gritty win then for the maroons, challenging both physically and mentally, which sets them up nicely for the visit of league leaders Penrith to Littlemoor this weekend. Ko 2.15 pm