Match Report: Oldham RUFC Ladies 24 Clitheroe RUFC Ladies 42

In a closely contested game that saw both packs evenly matched, the base was laid for both sets of backs yet plenty of ball to test defences.

Clitheroe were the first to go into the lead after a breakdown on the wing for an unconverted try. Oldham came back strongly and from the kick-off camped on Clitheroe's 22 area and wore down a resolute defence to see Hannah Stopford crash over the line with a converted try to take a slender lead.

Clitheroe came back but Oldham's defence stood strong, eventually they swept up field to move the ball wide to see their winger score her second try, converted to lead 12-7.

Oldham made a few changes and their pack began to get on top, Clitheroe responded by halting attack after attack until Oldham's Miya Burke made a decisive break after 25 minutes to crash over for another converted try to make the score 14-12. However back came Clitheroe on attack and moved up field to score a converted try making the score 14-19.

After half time both teams made changes to both forwards and backs, Meg Farnhill's defence rocked a few Clitheroe's sorties, which encouraged the rest of the defence to stay strong. They worked back up field to score an unconverted try by Emma Wall to even the score to 19-19.

As the clock moved on, Clitheroe used their speedy wings to score a couple of quick tries, Oldham dug in again, Leanne Edmondson, Simone Stopford, Meg Hobin, Charlotte Wilkinson (who sustained a serious leg injury), all led from the front to see Oldham's Katie Chambers score their last unconverted try, 24-29.

In the last 15 minutes Clitheroe wrapped up the scoring by adding another 13 points to run out winners, 24-42.

Oldham never stopped competing and new players Ruby Davies, Honey Cooper, Ellie Pollitt gave a great account of themselves. They competed in every part of the field and can hold their heads up even in defeat.

Good numbers at training is showing a good resolve as skill factors are getting better.