For the first kick off at the earlier 2:15 ko of the year finally here a strong 2s squad emerged out of the rain and the gloom at the always damp Colne and Nelson.
With the rain falling heavier and wind circling around this was never going to be a day for lots of fancy back line plays more a stick it up the jumper type day.
After the hiccup the other week normal service was resumed as the skipper lost the toss with the 2s starting with the kick and the rain and wind at their backs, as the small crowd huddled under Murray’s poncho for warmth,
Mathew Probert getting us underway with Colne dropping the kick off and the ball skidding along the sodden surface gave the 2s pack the edge some big hits early on from the front row pairing of Tom Whittaker and Luke Hayton both keen to get involved. With 2 quality scrum half’s in Sam Cheeseman and Dan Smith, and the calm Probert at 10 the defensive line was well organised and very effective. They stuck Colne inside their own half for the first 15 mins before they found an exit.
From the line out, with the Colne scrum half fumbling the ball, the young Henry Reynard ,making his first full start alongside the skipper in the second row, and Jamie Taylor were bearing down on him. This gave the machine, that is, John Bank time to collect the ball and make his first of many bullocking runs of the day.
Smith was bringing the backs in to play well; with both the centres of George Hamlet and Matt Mason, both former colts growing into senior rugby, having some good runs.
But reading the defence well it was Dan Smith to open the scores - strictly dancing his way through - to touch down. Probert adding the extras 7-0 to the maroons.
Colne almost immediate with a reply with a good bit of skill saw them slip through the line to touch down but no extras added and that’s how the half ended.
Few changes at the half saw the skipper off. On came the hungry Nick Good and with hypothermia setting in, Jack Nadin who appears to of found his niche at full back was brought off to defrost. Austin Wensley dropped from the flank where he was enjoying getting down and dirty with the big boys up front, to take up the mantle of full back. In his place the young Patrick Enion brought his own brand of aggression and power to the proceedings.
Couple of early penalties going Colne's way saw them with first a try and no extras, & then a penalty. This saw the maroons 15-7 down inside ten mins of the second half.
Will Jones [sponsored by Fellside Farming] rallied the troops urging them forwards. Mason, Hamlet and even the Reverend Cheeseman were making some brilliant runs with ball in hand. The maroons were coming back into it, but alas, a couple of quick injuries to George Hamlet and Jamie Taylor - hopefully nothing too serious & speedy recoveries.
The skipper came back on along with the returning Tom Hardman, lending his presence to the flank. Much to Will Jones’s dismay - who was hoping with a front row replacement he would be hitting the showers early.
With a full power pack now on the it was time to show what they were capable of. The maroon pack was primed and ready. The tight five grunted in unison. Colne managed to get their ball under the second rows feet, but on came the power with John Bank at the helm steering the ship. The legs pumped, the ground shook and the behemoth of a maroon pack went through the gears. Unable to halt the drive the maroons came away with the penalty. Smith went on an early snipe & a couple of quick phases later - penalty.
Skipper opted for the scrum inside the Colne 22, again the tight five grunted in unison. Colne steadied themselves for what was to come but some signals between Smith and Bank saw the 'machine' set off with a show and go, round two defenders. Then, like a bull, charged though the third, to give JB his first try of the season. No extras added this time.
So to the final 15 mins at 15-12 down. Headmaster Smith started using his experience, directing traffic & calling the forwards up. It was time to go heavy. Pick and go.. 2 yards. Pick and go ...again. Anyone still watching & not huddled under Murray’s poncho would think the maroon pack were bred for this. Phase after phase inching up the pitch. Smudge Smith not getting his hands dirty, calling for another and another. Even Austin had enough getting cold at full back was back in the mix.
This was by no means pretty, nor is it quick. But it is effective and the maroons are not only built for it but appear to enjoy it. 30 odd phases later the big lads can smell the whitewash. John Bank senses a second, but not quite. Then it was Jones turn again - agonisingly short. Now it was Tom Hardman's turn, with the skipper adding his weight driving him through and over the line - only to be held up on what was, in effect, the last play of the game.
Clitheroe beaten by the smallest of margins in a game they dominated for large periods. So the cup run comes to an end for another year. Second time in a couple years got to the last 16 stage; a challenge for next year no doubt.
Next week it’s back to league action with a home game v Southport 2.15ko.
For hi immense runs with ball in hand, and an absolutely beautiful try: Man of the Match this week goes to John Bank.
Report by KK
Pics & Video by Murray, thanks.