Forwards Grind it Out

It was another big Littlemoor afternoon with local rivals, trooping over from the wrong side of Pendle, intent on claiming a maroon and gold scalp.
Colne & Nelson RFC the visitors this time. And indeed they came in force. Two teams on a charabanc to enjoy the hedonistic delights of Clitheroe well into the evening.

This was always going to a tricky game to call, but home advantage seemed to be the balancing factor; however Colne have had an influx of players this season and were looking, on paper at least, like a squad that would fully test the Littlemoor teams’ resolve. The home team would have to dig deep for the result.

After a fine dry morning, right on cue, the mizzle and rain set in just before kick off. Disappointing, but the same for both teams.
The maroons kicked off playing towards the Clubhouse, packed with Former Players enjoying their annual get together. Though they got off to a sticky start loosing a tight head in the scrum and knocking on the first credible attack.
Big match pressure? Slippery balls? First night nerves? Maybe a combination of all three.
But they soon settled and after an attack from a line out on half way Colne conceded a penalty. Up stepped scrum half Nathon Burns, and from 40 metres calmly slotted the goal to open Clitheroe’s account. All that individual practice beginning to show dividends.

But not to be outdone the visitors attacked strongly after a midfield scrum. A flowing move down the left flank nearly led to a score, only some last ditch tacking saving the day. However in the melee a penalty conceded. Just five metres out a simple tap and charge resulted in a rather softish try for Colne. The conversion over and Colne leading 3-7 after 18 minutes.
It took a while for either side to get going after this , scrum after scrum followed. Making the game very stop start. Although with all the practice the Clitheroe eight managed to warm to their task and began to exert significant pressure on the Colne pack at the set scrummage.
From a resulting penalty under the Colne posts, Burns was on target again, closing the gap to 6-7 as the half drew to a close.

Into the second half and it took some time for either side to gain any ascendancy. Most of the match being played in the centre area of the pitch. Occasionally one team would make a foray into enemy territory then get repelled.
Far too many passes went astray or the kicking was aimless and attacks came to naught. Fortunately the scrummage got stronger and stronger as the longer the game went on as Clitheroe seemed to be lasting the pace better.
From one such scrum they had Colne back peddling and a penalty ensued. Scrummie Burns again on had for the 3 pointer to give Clitheroe back the lead.
Colne then had a purple patch and pounded at the maroon rear defence ragged for an extended period. Dogged tackling gave them some relief and soon were back in Colne territory.
Once again the forwards took control as the clock wound down.
A line out from 20 metres out was caught and expertly driven over for a fine pack try. Will Dickenson [pic] on hand to claim the touchdown. One to warm the cockles of the aging front rowers watching on from the sidelines. 14-7 at no side.

A satisfying win but maybe but plenty to work on. Which will surely be addressed before this Saturday when Burnley RUFC come calling in the quarter-final of the 1st Div Shield competition. Kick off: 2.15pm