MANCHESTER TAKE ROUTE 66 TO CLITHEROE

Clitheroe kicked off and the ball was caught well. Immediately, a huge bone-jarring tackle was put in on the advancing Manchester player before he managed to build any head of steam up. However, if the home side thought this would unsettle the visitors though they were in for a disappointment. Manchester patiently passed the ball about, looking to get it out to the wings at every opportunity to take advantage of the continent-wide pitch - Indeed whilst I stood with feet firmly on Lancastrian soil, half our coaches could be glimpsed pacing the touchline in White Rose Country.

The boys tested the home team's defence with some fine attacking runs and I must say that for a team that has only just formed, Clitheroe equipped themselves very well, tackling hard and throwing themselves into rucks and mauls bravely, a big, big ask for those new to the sport. Soon though Manchester saw the chance and went for it. From a won scrum against the head, the ball was fed out to a support player who ran for the corner and dived over the try line. The conversion attempt from such an acute angle was superb and deserved far more than rebounding off the post.

Winger o'clock. Straight from the kick off the ball was caught well and, running in a straight line, the Manchester backs played the ball out to the left touchline with a series of long, flat passes, which released a waiting Manchester player to race half the length of the pitch, flying down the wing, outstripping the Clitheroe defence, cutting inside what little cover remained at the 22-yard line to cross the line beneath the sticks and score. This time the bonus points were added as the conversion kick was slotted over, splitting the posts.

A further try was scored from a turnover ball to Manchester after a well contested ruck by both teams scrapping in the centre of the pitch. A simple pass found an on-rushing player, who seeing a gap in Clitheroe's lines splintered the defence and barged his way through to score, again between the uprights. The kicker swung his boot and the conversion attempt was good.

Manchester continued to apply the pressure, making good ground when carrying and produced some excellent continuity play as the half progressed, taking them all the way to the home side's 5 metre line where they remained camped in the shadow of Clitheroe's posts, before winning a scrum. From the won scrum a neat pick up from the base and go by one of our boys down the blindside saw him score in the corner but giving the kicker no chance with the very difficult conversion from the wide right.

Clitheroe never gave up and didn't allow their heads to go down and showed some great aggression to keep Manchester at bay half way inside their half. There was some brilliant defensive work by the home side, soaking up wave after wave of attack, succeeding in keeping out Manchester with some magnificent tackling and smothering in a marvellously entertaining passage of play in which the visitors crossed from side to side of the field, displaying some lovely ball handling skills.

Manchester continued to pass it about, looking for an opening and looked to be getting a little frustrated when a long, high ball was tossed out from the centre, missing a Manchester player. The ball wasn't caught but bounced favourably for us as it was caught sharply by a lurking player who span and carved open the home team's defence, shooting through to score from ten yards out in the corner. Once again we couldn't add to the points tally as the angle asked just too much of the kicker.

The last try of the half was a scrappy one, Manchester were pottering around passing the ball over and back inside the opposition 22' trying to find an opening as the first period drew to a close. The ball was again spread down the line through the hands of several players, across the width of the field, before being bundled over close to the corner flag from just a few yards out and once again our kicker must have cursed angles of 10 degrees and less, but with the practice he's getting he'll be out-halfpennying Halfpenny by Christmas.

The whistle blew on a half where Manchester looked dangerous on the attack and Clitheroe were determined in defence. Both sides got through a lot of work.

HALF TIME
Clitheroe 0 Manchester 30*

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with both sides playing their part. Manchester produced some periods of slick handling and a willingness to play at pace whilst the home side never once gave up and kept rallying. Clitheroe's coaches, players and supporting parents have a brilliantly positive approach to the game which was wonderful to see. Great work fellas! All the best for the season and your continued development.