JOE CLARKE STARS IN BARNSTORMING DISPLAY
The undoubted highlight for the travelling supporters was the performance of Joe Clarke, who claimed the Player of the Match award with a series of powerful carries that repeatedly punched holes in the Orrell defence. Clarke's two tries were just reward for his relentless work, bursting through first contact time and again to give Clitheroe crucial go-forward. His sponsors Denatec – who have been brilliant in backing multiple players this season – would have been delighted with his dominant display.

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The match was a pulsating affair from the opening whistle. Orrell struck first with an unconverted try on 6 minutes, but Clitheroe hit back immediately through Clarke on 10 minutes, with George Barnes adding the extras to edge the visitors ahead 7-5. The see-saw nature continued as Orrell regained the lead 12-7 before Clarke's second try and another Barnes conversion put Clitheroe back in front 14-12.
Orrell's improved organisation showed as they built a 21-14 advantage, but Clitheroe refused to buckle. Harry Darlington crashed over for an unconverted try to narrow the gap to 21-19 at the break, setting up a tantalising second half.

SECOND HALF BATTLE
The Blues drew level at 26-26 when George Barnes touched down and converted his own try on 51 minutes, but Orrell's quality began to tell. Their fly-half – managing the game superbly – orchestrated attacks that eventually wore down the Clitheroe defence, with tries on 66 and 71 minutes pushing them clear at 43-26.

Tom Walton had the final say with a late try for Clitheroe, but ultimately Orrell's greater cohesion proved decisive.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES
Beyond Clarke's heroics, there were plenty of positives for Head Coach Tom Lavelle and Director of Rugby Richard Few to take away. George Barnes was accomplished at fly-half, controlling the game well and contributing 16 points with the boot. Nick Roberts provided the necessary steel at inside centre, while Joe Wilkinson filled the number 8 shirt admirably in Jonny Walter's absence, delivering strong carries and a magnificent 50-metre run down the blindside that had the travelling support on their feet.

Joe Aspin worked tirelessly standing in at hooker, while props Tom Walton and Josh Burns hammered away at the Orrell line all afternoon. Second rows Jack Newing and Stewart Hulse provided a solid scrum platform throughout, giving Clitheroe parity in that crucial area.
Flankers Austin Wensley and Nick Good were tireless in defence, working overtime to try to snuff out Orrell's clever attacking patterns. Wingers Jack Nadin and young Tom Aspin saw limited opportunities as territory was at a premium, while Matt Mason was peppered with kicks all afternoon, returning them well but invariably meeting the well-organised Orrell defensive line.

Substitute Harry Darlington, despite his 10 minutes sinbin, showed some great attacking power, alongside fellow subs Josh Richards and Sam Cheesman, both of whom managed some game time into the second half.

LOOKING AHEAD
Orrell were undoubtedly a different proposition to the side Clitheroe faced last season. Their defence was far more organised, and their fly-half's game management was excellent, keeping Clitheroe under constant pressure. Despite the 14-point defeat, this was a spirited performance against quality opposition, and the work rate throughout the 80 minutes was commendable.

Clitheroe made them work hard for their victory, and with performances like Clarke's to build on, there's plenty to be positive about as the season continues.

Final Score: Orrell 45 - 31 Clitheroe
Clitheroe Scorers:
Tries: Joe Clarke (2), Harry Darlington, George Barnes, Tom Walton
Conversions: George Barnes (3)
Man of the Match: Joe Clarke (sponsored by Denatec)

Huge thanks to all our player sponsors, including Denatec Ltd, Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors and Steeles Solicitors, and all the local businesses supporting our brilliant playing squad!

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