CLITHEROE impressed in defeat as they were narrowly beaten 23-16 at high-flying Birchfield.

While the Littlemoor side slipped to defeat number 13 of the season, they gave a good account of themselves against a Birchfield side who are fourth in North Lancs Two.

Clitheroe won for only the second time this season last weekend when they beat Carnforth 26-7.

They remain rooted to to the foot of the table.

Elsewhere, there were heavy defeats for Colne and Nelson and Chorley.

Colne, who beat Birchfield last week to go fifth in the table, slipped below them after losing 46-0 at second placed Thornton Cleveleys.

It was an even worse day for Chorley who shipped more than 70 points against a Carnforth side who are below them in the league table, eventually losing 71-5.

Colne and Nelson and Chorley are without a game on Saturday but Clitheroe will be sensing a victory could be on the cards when they travel to Crosby St Mary’s, just two players above them in the league.

The game of the day sees third place Pendle host second-placed Cleveleys.