Clitheroe’s 1st XV brought their 24/25 league campaign to a close on Saturday with a comprehensive dismantling of a game Ashton under Lyne RUFC outfit, by 8 tries to 1.

A sun drenched pitch at Silcock Park made an attractive Spring setting for the maroon and golds; and the maroon and gold and black visitors – who had for some reason turned up in almost matching coloured shirts – no chance of mud caked strips, so game on.

Although Ashton never gave up they were outclassed in all departments on the day. 33-0 at half time and the game was gone. Tries from Matt Mason, Nick Roberts, Nathon Burns, Ed Sinclair and Joe Clarke told it’s own tale. Four conversions from Nathon Burns also helped total up a healthy half time cushion.
There was no real let up in the second period with three more scores from Will Tattersall, Joe Aspin and finally, saving him from an inglorious forfeit, Jonny Walter.
Ashton kept plugging away and scored a try to give them a fillip but it was never enough. They were well led by former Clitheroe starlet Simon Cowgill and were a credit to their club.

So a final solid 4th place in the table. Above Colne & N in 5th and below Bury in 3rd. Garstang have been crowned champs with De La Salle runners up - with both being promoted.

Closer examination of the table and results is quite revealing from a Clitheroe perspective. The maroons have the best defensive record out of all teams conceding just 280 points, whereas Bury have let in over 400 and champs Garstang let in 337. Something good going on in the ‘D’ dept.
Coupled to that, is the startling and arguably, the most disappointing feature, that 7 games have been lost by 6 points or fewer.
That has been the story of the season. Many reasons for this and close examination of the team sheets may give some answers.
New, this season, Head Coach Tom Lavelle has done a great job but can only work with the materials in hand. He travels a fair way to make training and match days and those living closer should take heed.

There have been many stand out performances and we have lost players through injury and work commitments through the year and there is a clear need to boost and bolster numbers throughout the teams.

For the statto’s among you; the most appearances were from Oscar Duck, Ed Sinclair, Nick Roberts, Josh Burns and Adam Spencer.
Centre Nick Roberts topped the try scoring list with prop Josh Burns following up. [from a much, much shorter range]

All in all a satisfactory season but still a gnawing feeling that far too many games slipped by, that should have been ‘W’s.
Barring any sudden reorganisation from the RFU [it has been known!] it looks like Oldham and Hoylake will be coming down to Counties 3 next season.

Of course the season is not over. The Papa Johns Cup Competitions begins this week, 12th April, with a[nother] trip to Fleetwood RFC.
We have been draw in the Counties 3 & Below Plate Competition. The winners of Saturday’s tie play the winners of Burnley v Skipton, in the next round on 26th April.
Intriguing stuff.