As the large crowd gathered for this eagerly awaited friendly
the storm clouds were forming over Blaise Woods leading
two men in a kayak to seek refuge in the Grandstand-----
another first for Clifton to have white water rafting in the
crowd----apparently George and co are raising funds for the
Bristol Academy and will be kayaking 165 miles down the
Thames----£450 collected on the night-----good luck boys----
Salts would have joined you but some story about coaching---

Pre match JB was shuffling in and out of both changing rooms
muttering something about skills----Radio Bristol had forecast
it is now traditional for him not to play in this fixture.

Teams were announced with enormous confusion----a
Pomphrey playing against Bristol and our own trio of Barry,
Vunipola and Glynn playing for the opposition ---Barry even
scored against Clifton-----Ben Jordan had included a Tom
Brown on the team sheet------something to do with his own
schooldays------great social atmosphere------Lord Farrell
bought the announcer a Doom Bar begging a mention.

President Raine looked dashing in the dugout----a truly great
Clifton man----new Vice President Carr appeared and happily
reminisced of John Player glory days and appearances for
the Nomads----Aftab was recruiting all night----qualifications
international caps, touring pedigree and non drinkers

Forwards coach Ronnie was in his usual diplomatically silent
mode with divided loyalties.

Sean Marsden could just remember being a Clifton Junior in a
past life.

Sue’s team did a great BBQ and Jason Merry led his Doom
Bar sponsoring team in the Skittle Alley----thanks to Sharp’s
again-----someone switched off the microphone while the
announcer indulged in his own tiny world linking Sharp’s with
Scottish international Alan who played for both clubs and
then his Cornish boyhood hero England’s Richard Sharp who
played in this fixture and still sign’s his autograph for Roger
twice a year in St Ives----lots of ramblings

Microphone back on----mention of the first Bristol-Clifton
game in 1889 at Leach’s Field----Anderton recalls it was a cold
day---then the famous Clifton win in 1954-followed by the
1991 Pilkington Cup match featuring Paul Hull and Clifton’s
Bristol imports Hogg, Watson, Woodman, Sharp, Polledri,
Hone and Wyatt. Hone was the star of the 1992 victory 23-7.

Meanwhile on the pitch an entertaining game following
a great win over Welsh Premiership side Glamorgan
Wanderers

Other Church notices:

• le Bell got married in Scotland---congratulations

• Barnes and Viol got engaged-----we think Sharon knows-
--again congratulations

• First pre match lunch on 11 September for our next
game against Dings----Rob Smith again i/c with Richard
Clifton and Roger Palmer as door men--- contact details

on the website and in the handbook
• Mike Anderton wants your subs

• Biggest family team supporting tonight Harrison Tovey’s
including his 90 year old grandfather----Harrison is
nearly 21----let’s see if any family can do better----no
contest if Barney gets his team and their cousin up
though.

• Thanks to Bob Bigwood for a great pitch and good to
see Humpo enjoying his Strongbow at the game----long
talk with Bob about intimate parts of tractors

• On the pitch David Cook scored a try converted by dual
registered Chris Ashwin-----for the record Bristol won
40-7

• We wish both teams a highly successful season