Clitheroe RUFC lose in rugby league heartland

Clitheroe finally got back into action in rugby league heartland.

After 20 minutes, the home side were 12-0 ahead, and things were looking somewhat bleak.

But good territorial play gained field position. Then from a good line out take, Eagle made ground before unloading to McEntyre, who popped the ball up in the tackle to Stuart Railton to slide over. James Dickinson coverted.

Then, after some good approach work from the pack, the ball was spun out to the backs, and captain Nathan Peel skipped through a tackle to level the scores.

But just before the break – disaster – first Railton was yellow carded, followed by Dickinson into the sin bin and Clitheroe had to play the opening 10 minutes of the second half with only 13 men.

Eventually the dam had to burst, and two tries were a knife through the heart.

When they were back up to full compliment, hooker Thornber trundled over to claw back the points to 26-17.

Newton replied with another of their own before Peel scored his second to just keep Clitheroe in the game at 38-24.

But tired legs and exhaustion overcame them in the dying minutes of the game as Newton wrapped up victory.