CLITHEROE are hoping it will be a happy 40th anniversary as they look to go one better than last season.

Cup runners-up and narrowly missing out on promotion - plus a superb season-long unbeaten home record - made for happy times at Littlemoor.

The 2015-16 campaign was a brilliant one for the Ribble Valley’s only rugby club.

Not only did the 1st XV finish third in their league, just pipped to promotion on the last game of the season, they were also finalists in the league plate competition and the 2nd XV won promotion to the league above.

Perhaps the most satisfying statistic for the senior rugby teams was that both team were unbeaten at home all season - a rare feat for any club.

Added to the successes for the senior mens’ teams was the superb addition of a Clitheroe Ladies team, who also remain unbeaten in the home games they played, and the continuing growth of the junior rugby section.

The club entered two teams in the Blacksticks Junior Challenge and had the highest junior membership in the club’s history, with young players ranging from aged 15 down to 6.

This has been a period of significant growth for the club.

For the forthcoming campaign, there have been additions to the senior coaching team to progress the playing standards beyond last year’s peaks.

“These are truly exciting times for Clitheroe Rugby Club,” said club chairman Bob Wilkinson. “Whether it’s playing contact rugby in men’s, juniors and ladies teams, whether it’s turning out to play social touch rugby each week, or whether it’s just to turn up to support everything that goes on at the club.

“To ensure we have the best possible player base, player recruitment continued apace during the summer with another successful touch rugby series held at the club, followed by a brilliant touch tournament.

“For the seniors, the hard work of pre-season is now in full swing with friendly home games planned for August 20 and 27 against local rivals Skipton and Colne & Nelson respectively.

“Overall, the 16/17 season ahead promises to be another great year for the club in this, its anniversary year.”

n For club details, log on to clitheroerugby.com on Twitter at @clitheroerugby or via its Facebook page.

Alternatively, contact Bob Wilkinson on 07962 099935 or via email info@clitheroerugby.com