Excellent Opener For Clitheroe

So after what seems like and endless summer of training and preparation, the real rugby began in earnest on Saturday for Clitheroe’s town rugby team.

After a couple of warm up ‘friendlies ‘ against Chorley & Skipton the team was reasonably well prepared and a little more match fit than in previous seasons.

Training had been progressing well and the integration of some new faces into the squad had given the selectors food for thought when choosing the starting line up. This was slightly hampered by a couple of injuries to back row man Luke Hayton and new winger Joseph Smith, during the Skipton game. When these two are back in harness the squad will be boosted even more. Fortunately we have a ready made replacement in the back row in the not inconsiderable shape of Will Dickenson, a newcomer over the summer.
With the exciting young Craig Procter moving up from the 2nd XV last season, linking up with the experienced Marco Vaghetti in the centres, the back line has a purposeful look to it.

Up front resources are spread a little thinner. Props Ben Graves and Tom Hardman are still on the road back after injury, but Richard Edmondson has summered well and looks fitter than in a long time, plus livewire loose forward Struan Robertson is available again after missing most of last term with work commitments.
The Littlemoor pitch looked at its very best. Top marks to both, grounds man Phil Isherwood & trainee pitch marker Bob Wilkinson.

Our opponents Carnforth are always welcome visitors and the two Clubs have a tremendous mutual respect – apart from the 80 minutes of rugby, of course. But that’s how it should be.
Clitheroe were under the cosh from early on as Carnforth dominated the early exchanges. The home defence was tested time and again and Clitheroe seemed nervous and fractious in ball retention.

After a good five minutes of resolute defence a loose ball was pounced on and a few quick passes set back rower Sam Thornber away open Clitheroe’s try account for the season. Craig Procter showed his versatility by slotting the conversion.
Full back Chris Stewart was next on the board closely followed by Craig Procter and Sam Thornber both scoring. Carnforth grabbed one back to show a flash of how dangerous they could.

Half time and Clitheroe were 26-5 to the good. But they knew the first 15 minutes of the second half would decide the game. To that end the pack was freshened up; Anrew Thornber, Andrew Rigby and Struan Robertson came on for Richard Endmondson, Jacob Shorrock and Will Dickenson respectively.

As expected the early period was a bit of a stalemate that is until Captain Nathan Peel popped over a cheeky drop goal to reignite the try scoring.
A try on debut for Marco Vaghetti was pleasing for a player that oozed class all day. Another one for Chris Stewart, proving what a devastating broken field runner he is turning into. Also over the whitewash again was young Craig Procter, with father looking on approvingly from the touchline.

Then the two wing men decided it was time for action. A long range effort for Lewis Hardman and a brace for Dan Smith on the left, both were showing a clean pair of heels to nab well deserved scores.
Carnforth again scored one for themselves to finish well. In fact it would not be disrespectful to say that the visitors finished the stronger and Clitheroe certainly knew they were in a hard fought game.

Special mention to of the unsung grafters of the day; lock forward Ross Chamberlain had a great game in the engine room and his restart work was exemplary. Kiwi back row man Darren Eagle had another stormer. He has the knack of doing the simple things well and led the pack with quiet authority.

So, all in all a perfect start to the new campaign. The peculiarities of the fixture list give the 1st XV a week off on Saturday before a big local derby at Colne & Nelson on the 13th Sept.

This Saturday at Littlemoor, the 2nd XV start their new life in a new division higher, when Aspull RFC are the visitors. Kick at 3pm.