The rematch. This eagerly anticipated return fixture had everything the rugby connoisseur; two evenly matched teams, the lead changing hands on several occasions and the final result in the balance up to the 80th minute.

After a patchy showing in December, the new year meant a new start for the maroons in what was their first outing of 2024.
There was a decent crowd on at a perfectly prepared Silcock Park, (thanks to industrious Groundman Phil Ish) and a fairish travelling support for promotion hopefuls Garstang RFC. The youthful Blues outfit having only lost once this season, would be confident, especially after the 22-10 victory at a soaking Hudson Park at the end of September.

But Clitheroe, after a spate of injuries that wouldn’t have disgraced Saturday evenings Casualty TV programme, are slowly returning to full strength. Helped no end by the no nonsense approach of Head Physio Kate! [no shirking].

Playing towards the Clubhouse, still containing the older past player elements not brave enough to face the cold, the maroons started at a pace and soon forced a penalty. Co skip Nathon Burns swung his thunder highs and we were on the scoreboard. 3-0.

Now the tails were up and Clitheroe were attacking sharply. A searing break from Will Tattersall followed by a sweetly timed pass for the supporting Ed Sinclair to plunge over. No extras but 8-0 after 20 minutes had the crowd rubbing their hands with glee, or was it the biting east wind?

Predictably Garstang grew into the game and the second quarter was played mainly in Clitheroe’s half. They launched many raids on Clitheroe’s line but were met with some obdurate defence – Nick Roberts and Sam Tarbuck leading the way with some crunchers.
However the pressure was building and Garstang were well drilled at line out time; from one close range effort they created an effective driving maul to the line. An infringement in front of the nose of the ref gave him no option than to blow for a penalty try. [8-7]

One point in it at the half time lemons, but more drama than a daytime soap opera was to come.

A bit of to-ing and fro-ing for the first 10 minutes of the half - while Clitheroe had the territory but could keep hold of the ball.
Eventually a loose kick from defence was acrobatically fielded by James Cathcart at full back which set into motion a sustained attack. Up front Josh Burns and James Dickinson were prominent while out-half Rick Griffiths varied the play intelligently. Finally the wall was breached with Matty Mason putting his captain Roberts away to score under the sticks. Burns the smaller, converted and 15-7 was a handsome return.

From the restart the ball was turned over far too easily and the simple penalty conceded. Garstang back in it at 15-10.
Worse was to come for the home support. The visitors, with tails fully up, were causing panic in the ranks with their constant wave after wave of attack. Some sloppy return kicks did little to relieve the situation and it was no real surprise for Garstang to take the lead for the first time in the game with a good converted try [15-17].

Was Clitheroe’s balloon punctured as the slightly deflated home fans looked to the skies in hope, or to the bench where the bomb squad of AD Davies, Adam Spencer and Wombat Mitchell were poised for impact.
Re-energised like that certain brand of battery, Clitheroe came storming back. Forcing a scrum five yards out – Garstang conceded a free kick. A tap to the forwards and the supertankers crashed on in route 1 fashion. After a few thrusts Burns the larger, drove through a hole and with several would be tacklers clinging on grounded the ball, for little bro to convert. [22-17] In the lead again with 10 long minutes to go.

Ambidextrous scoreboard monitor Baz, had is work cut out juggling both digital and analogue instrumentation as the lead changed hands. (well in Barry -thanks)

Could the maroons hang on? Of course not – Garstang aren’t near the top of the table by accident and they pressed strongly for the win. Pressure rugby. A small chink in the defence and the impressive Blue’s centre was over to level the scores. 22-22. Crucially the conversion slid wide from the, up till then, reliable kicker.

Just minutes to go and the game still in the balance. The crowd, if they had actually paid to get in, were certainly getting their monies worth of excitement.

Clitheroe restarted; with a strong chase and pressure on the breakdown, the ref immediately pointed his arm for a penalty for the home side.
Now with half the population of Clitheroe plus a foghorn shouting instructions for the kick option. Nathon Burns nervelessly stepped up and added the three points. [25-22]

That was it surely?
Not on your nelly.
The plot still had more twists and turns, than Stanno’s dance moves, to go. Garstang’s turn to restart and get a penalty.
What to do – kick to goal for a draw or go for the win? These lads came to win and good on them.
Into the corner for some sleeves up major defence. Another penalty conceded and still they came remorselessly.
Desperate stuff now. The old codgers on the top touchline considering sending for the defib machine.
Still they came like a blue tsunami. And still the maroon and gold wall held firm. Pressure, pressure for both teams...then a knock on...relief... and at last the referee blew the whistle for no side.[25-22]

Top credit to Garstang who came to play positive rugby and played a full part in an exciting advert for Lancashire rugby.
(Also good lads in the bar afterwards!)

An excellent boost for Clitheroe with a different and testing trip to Burnley RUFC this Saturday.