Heartbreak in the Sun

Clitheroe Rugby wrapped up their tremendous season on Saturday with the traditional Presidents Match, which was the culmination of an epic fortnight in the lives of many of the players.

On the previous Saturday, the final of the Raging Bull Bowl, Clitheroe RUFC's first ever final, was held at a baking hot Rossendale RFC. The opponents were Liverpool University Vets RFC. This was Vets as in veterinary not veterans, all of which made a significant impact on the outcome.

Clitheroe took a bus load of supporters and many turned up under their own steam to give the day a party atmosphere and the team were certainly buoyed and humbled by the sight of so many family and friends swelling the touchline.

After a crafty mid-week spying mission on the opposition Clitheroe were confident in their own game plan and felt that they could put up a good challenge against the students.

Up the notorious Rossendale slope in the first half and into a stiff breeze, the game was a cagey affair with both sides nervous and not wanting to be the first to make a mistake.
Unfortunately it was the maroons who blinked first; a loose pass in midfield was pounced on and the Vets were over for the opening score. Conversion missed and no more score up to the interval.

So just 0-5 adrift, and with the slope in their favour Clitheroe felt confident for the second stanza.

Again the half took time to catch fire but it was the Vets who seemed to gaining the upper hand. Their all action game and their speed at the breakdown was causing the Littlemoor men trouble. Mounting a sustained attack seemed beyond them after the Vets defence was quick to react time after time.

Although the game was very tight and the skill levels of both teams fairly even throughout; the Vets advantage of youth and that bit of extra fitness was paying dividends.

Any mistake was swooped on and from such the Vets scored two quick tries. At this point their was trepidation that the team may crumble in the heat.
Not a chance! Clitheroe came roaring back and laid siege to the Vets try line and after a protracted series of attacks, back row man James Haynes crashed over for the score. Marco Vaghetti converted to lift the sideline spirits.

The Vets applied the coup de grace with another late try to wrap it up 7-22, for a crestfallen team.

The squad cannot be faulted one iota for attitude, commitment to the jersey and they are a credit to the town.

Many of the squad were back in action or the Presidents fixture. The long running finale to the season didn't disappoint. In glorious sunshine Clitheroe XV drew 29-29 with the Presidents XV, a great game watch by a healthy appreciative crowd.
Respective Man of the Match awards went to Will Dickenson and Andrew Rigby.

That wound up an epic season for the Club; both teams unbeaten at Littlemoor, the 2nd XV promoted, the 1st XV reach a cup final, plus the formation of a Ladies XV and a booming successful junior rugby section.

Roll on 2016-17 Season

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