Young Ones Shine in Defeat

Another match slips through the greasy fingers for Clitheroe’s rugby men, at Littlemoor last Saturday.

Newton le Willows the visitors, travelling ‘up north’ from deep in the thickest heart of Rugby League territory. They play 13 a side in that form of footie, and with a car delayed on the journey they very nearly started that way in this match.
Sportingly the home side kicked their heels for a while in the changing rooms whilst the sky darkened and the referee fretted about finishing the game before lighting up time.

Once the visitors were up to a full compliment the game was soon underway.

Perfect hosts as Clitheroe are they soon allowed Newton in to open the scoring. With the fringe defence caught ball watching the Newton No.8 bobbed through an open door to give the visitors the lead within the
first 5 minutes.

This is not what was planned, said the skipper to his troops, well words to that effect anyway.

The dear leader’s oration seemed to have the desired result. With a proverbial boot up the nether regions, Clitheroe got their game into gear and began to take territorial advantage.

It took an age to arrive but when it did it was a beaut. A wayward clearance from Newton was fielded by livewire wingman Wayne Latham, in only his second outing for the senior team. He made excellent yardage scuttling down the left touchline. Tacked just short the ball was recycled to the right through several pairs of hands. Finally it was the opposite winger Lewis Hardman who powered over in the corner scoring his first try for the Club.

Great stuff from the two wingers, both fairly new to the delights of the oval ball game, but both full of gusto, zeal and enthusiasm for the game.

A real tonic for the troops.

Not to be outsmarted Newton struck back with their own score only for Clitheroe to level up the scores at 10 apiece with a penalty from Declan Fitzhenry.

Half time came and went, and with it Sam Thornber hobbling off clutching an ice pack under his shorts.

On in his place another one of clan Procter. Like Russian dolls they keep appearing in a seemingly endless conveyer belt of large rugby players. Craig [pic] it was this time, joining father Procter in the forwards.
Newton’s defence was proving a trifle stubborn for Clitheroe to break down. Their tackling was firm but fair and any forward rushes were repelled by the visitors.

About this time the Newton lads hit a purple patch and suddenly unleashed a speedster to wreak havoc in the Clitheroe defence. Just where this chap had been during the earlier part of the game is anyone’s guess. Maybe he takes an hour to warm up, but two more tries later and Newton had the game almost in their pocket.

Never say die lads....

In the now almost Stygian gloom of a drizzly December late afternoon, Clitheroe kept pressing. The touchline faithful who hadn’t been enticed away to the bright lights and warmth of the Club house, were well rewarded with a try from Procter Junior, Craig that is. A good turn of speed from the youngster, and enough power to bob the ball over the whitewash, to wrap up the game.

Just one more game for this year for the Maroons. This Saturday the 2nd XV travel up to old friends Carnforth. All welcome for the away trip. Angels and fairies need not apply.