The side showed a handful of changes from the Barking game including the first change in the forwards for five games. Young lock Darren Barry was not available as he was touring with Filton College and was replaced by Josh Brown, making his first appearance since the lamentable Clifton display at Luton in early November and made a big impact as the game progressed.

In the high numbers, Donovan Hall returned to take over from Don Blake at nine and Barney Kent returned in the centre allowing Andy Bell to revert to the wing with Ollie Sills dropping to the bench. He was joined there by Jack Steadman, Wayne McMillan and Craig Trump, the latter two back into the match day squad after a period out with injury.

Clifton kicked off into the wind and playing up towards the farm. JB had an early penalty chance but the ball went just wide. The first score didn’t take long in coming however. On just six minutes an attack down the left wing from a scrum in midfield saw Tom Lambert inject pace and feed Andy Bell to run in for a try.

JB added his first conversion. Bridgwater however were lively side at this stage but were unable to make any impression on the Clifton defence. One good cross kick from fly half Christian Wulff to Thie was threatening but Gregg Setherton was alert to the danger and tackled Thie into touch in the corner.  

The next Clifton score came after 16 minutes. A wayward pass from Wulff put full back Sam Osbourne in trouble and in his panic he swung a leg at the ball but only scooped it into Rob Viol’s hands and he ran in unopposed from the 10 metre line. JB added his second conversion to take the lead to 14 points.

Bridgwater had the chance to reduce the deficit but Osbourne hit the post with his kick. Then Gregg Setherton brilliantly tackled his former Cleve team mate Ollie Mansbridge as he ran to the Clifton line. Shortly after Eddie Smith received a yellow card for not retreating from a close range penalty tap however Clifton dealt with two attempted driving mauls to keep the line intact.

The next Clifton score came on the stroke of half time. This time the scorer was centre Steve Leonard as he received a pass from Donovan Hall and broke the first line of defence and the cover tackle to score. JB added his third conversion and at half time the score was Clifton 21 Bridgwater 0.

The crowd gave Dave Healy a great welcome as he returned to the pitch after half time in his last home game as Clifton coach. Dave has done a brilliant job for the club for the past six seasons and will always be welcome at the club he has served so well.

The game was effectively over just four minutes into the second half. Electing to take a scrum from a close range penalty Donovan Hall forced his way to the line. JB missed the conversion and that was the end of the scoring.

There was a lot of endeavour through the remainder of the game. Bridgwater had a fair share of possession although their scrum ball was under pressure throughout. Also two late lineout steals by Josh Brown prevented late Bridgwater penalty lineouts from getting any reward.

Another excellent Gregg Setherton tackle prevented a try late on and ensured the Clifton line was not crossed. The home side attacked well through the backs and missed out on a try when Rob Viol was called back for offside and had a couple more opportunities from short range penalties but the visitors defence held out.

The Musets MotM was skipper Tom Lambert who as usual brilliantly led the team from the front.

Clifton scorers:

Tries Bell, Viol, Leonard and Hall, Conversions Barnes 3

Clifton team: Raines, Mace, White, Brown, Smith, Lambert (Capt), Hardy, Levis, Hall, Barnes, Bell, Kent, Leonard, Viol, Setherton.