Old rivals beaten at Littlemoor

In this, the latest instalment of fixtures between these two Clubs, that stretches back for more than 30 years, it was Clitheroe’s turn to take the scalp of the ‘Railwaymen’ from Carnforth.
Four tries to one indicated it was an open game, in which both teams played full part in entertainment. Indeed, with each side willing to run the ball on every occasion, it was perhaps a surprise there were not more points on offer.
Clitheroe have a fairly settled squad at the moment, although they were without wingman Garth Spencer, away in Ireland and flanker Andrew Rigby, recovering after a countryside round trip. Into the back row came Sam Thornber, and a rejig in the back line saw the Skipper, Nathan Peel return at full back with Jordan Wilde moving out to the wing.
After an excellent weeks training, the home side finally started to put some of their practice ground routines into real time game conditions.
As a team they were most definitely ‘up’ for this one. Playing with the slope on an, in parts sticky pitch, the Littlemoor men were quickest out of the blocks.
Constant ball retention and swift recycling at the breakdown area was the key to them quickly gaining a beachhead deep in Carnforth territory. In fact it was a surprise that it took so long to penetrate the visitors defence.
But it was the wise old head of the silver fox David Watson at fly half, who spotted a chink it the line, and although it is fair to say he has lost a yard [or two] of pace over the years, he scuttled through to open Clitheroe’s account on the scoreboard.
Now with the confidence a score gives you and increasingly comfortable in the pattern of play, it was no surprise when the forwards took the ball on they made steady progress in to the Carnforth 22. Ever alert scrum half Dan Smith[pictured] was busy chivvying the pack along and then upon seeing a gap accelerated through to dot down under the posts. Peel on hand with the extras to put Clitheroe in a handy 12-0 lead at the turn round.
Watson took a break and on came Martin Lafranceschina at full back with Peel to centre and the reliable Stuart Railton into the outside half berth.
Clitheroe knew that Carnforth were not the sort of team to give up easily, and thoughts turned to the match in October when Clitheroe’s lead was whittled away to leave them with a heartbreaking drawn game. Therefore a strong start to the second period was absolutely essential.
With a try after two minutes this was exactly what they achieved. Some strong running from flanker Alex Hough was taken on by the tight five, prop Ben Graves and lock Steve Dowson prominent in the approach work, and with the final blast over the line, it was the other lock Ross Chamberlain who came up with the cherry to claim the try. Another conversion from Peel and sitting pretty 19-0 ahead, Clitheroe then managed to lose concentration and focus.
Carnforth came back strongly and on the hour were well rewarded with a converted try of their own. Now with Clitheroe looking ragged and giving away a stream of soft penalties, it was the men in green who were looking the stronger.
But somehow Clitheroe managed to hold out for long enough to re-establish some sort of order amongst themselves and also to regain the upper hand in the game, to finish the stronger.
A final try was one to savour; a nice lineout take on the right hand touch line, followed by a couple of probing short bursts, quick ball swept out and it was that man Hough again cutting through on an tremendous angle to dot down under the sticks. Lafranceschina converted and it was a good job well done for the maroon and gold’s.
A satisfying afternoon for the Clitheroe contingent, a mid game wobble apart, played with a certain panache and confidence that has been slightly lacking of late.
Is it just a flash in the pan? This week may hold some answers to Clitheroe’s real progress, with an exacting trip to Widnes to face Birchfield RFC. Watch this space.