So the big name of northern rugby union of the latter part of the 20th century made the trip to Silcock Park as a 1st XV for the first time. Orrell RUFC - previous home of England internationals and Lancashire County XV regulars. Unfortunately that particular edition of the famous Edge Hall Road outfit (once, unfairly, described as a layby off the M6 by a Harlequins player, allegedly) folded up some years ago in details we shall not dwell on.
However the new Orrell were reborn in about 2009 and kept the name alive plus, of course, the famous black and amber jerseys. Playing out of St John Rigby college they have been almost ever present in NW leagues and although they were relegated from Counties 2 last term, Clitheroe were expecting a tough old afternoon and so it proved.
A few reshuffles in the squad from last week were the order of the day; Owen Panton decided he needed fresh air after a year in the crossfit gym, Josh Dolan returned from one of his many many holidays and Sam Thornber returned after injury but bravely carried a sore finger into battle and James Cathcart also made his first start for ages. A change at out half where Adam Spencer moved from hooker last week to the 10 shirt this week - can't see Jamie George doing that somehow.
In perfect rugby weather and a bowling green of a pitch, Clitheroe , in an unusual turn of events, came out of the blocks fastest. After a few exploratory thrusts from both teams, the maroons forced a scrum wide on the right touchline. Quick hands down the line put wingman Dolan in at the left corner in front of the clubhouse. No extras this time.[5-0]
Only minutes later a from midfield ruck Sam Tarbuck galloped through a gap as wide as a barn door, scragged in the 22 line with support from Nick Roberts the ball was quickly recycled out to Cathcart in the right wing. With a bit to do he cut inside his man and wriggled over in spite of the attention off two opponents. Jack Stanley on target with the extras [12-0]

Things continued in the same vein. Line out on the 22, Lee Shaw in the centres ran hard and from the ruck scrum half Nathon Burns sniped and in the tackle popped up to bigger brother Josh Burns who was unstoppable with a sniff of the line. Extra point by Nurse Stanno and 19--0 up was an excellent return.
Orrell began to get in their stride and an effective multi phase handling move got them in for a converted try. [19-7].
With a bit of confidence building Orrell attacked strongly and only some keen tackling kept them at bay. Once the pressure was relieved Clitheroe attacked in waves and from short range again Josh Burns burrowed over like a giant hairy mole.
[24-7] A good half's work that nearly made coach Walton crack a smile. Or a grimace , not sure which.

Clitheroe started the second period strongly. The scrum was dominant and both Sam Thornber and Peter Mitchell were over the line but the ref was unsighted on both occasions.
This only spurred the visitors into action and suddenly they started to throw the ball about and went 60 yards to score under the sticks[24-14]
Once again Orrell attacked and from close range a mix up in defence saw them over again and suddenly Clitheroe were rocking [24-19]

But the maroons reacted and responded well forcing a penalty to re-establish a crucial two score lead[27-19]. More excellent attacking play with good support lines from Joe Aspin and Tom Walton helped Sam Thorber to crash over to stretch the lead once again [32-19].
From the resulting restart Clitheroe fielded the ball and then from his own 10 metre line Pete Mitchell set off on a great run. One of the best sights in rugby - a front row supertanker selling dummies at full flight. Felled on the 22, Finn Jones was on hand to scoop up and score under the posts for a fine try.. Stanno with the extras [39-19]

Orrell weren't done and on the stroke of no side scored in the bottom corner [34-19] for what turned out to a consolation try.

A tremendous game for both the neutral and the Clitheroe supporter. Whereas in previous weeks there has been a standout player or two, this time it was hard to pick anyone out of a whole squad performance.

A weeks rest/training and we go again - this week at high flying Garstang RFC. Sure to be severe test of their credentials at Hudson Park.