Co-chair Steve sorting very fine head gear was still triumphantly driving the Netsafe vehicle on Sunday morning  somewhere near the Brunel Wine Bar crowing about victory down the Mead.

Freddie’s dad [John Barnes] was clearly enjoying his return to Cribbs Causeway and the scene of many memorable moments for him and us.  Sparring with the Clifton coaching fraternity at half time provided good half time entertainment.  Clifton does not need a Bris the Bear at half time unless Ronnie has ideas.

Much has been about the match elsewhere and it has to go down as one of the best in our  recent history----final revenge for that result at HQ taken graciously by our visitors-----especially meaningful as many of our own legends had travelled from afar for a reunion-----what a day for them to return-----Simon Luxmore-Ball [Millfield, Clifton, Bath & Somerset] from East Anglia very impressed with Fincks two against the head------Peter Martin from Lancashire featured in the opening fixture in 1976 against Willie John’s boys-----good to see his boy Jonny after the game----he himself and brother Simon have served Clifton well------Paul Smith up from Cornwall where he moved way back and brought his own culture to the Redruth ranks-----Smithy was FD at the Redruth brewery for some time----claims Newquay Steam Beer was his idea but was educated into Doom Bar ways.  50 plus at the pre match lunch was a PB for Rob Smith and fitting reward for his huge efforts.

We really must get the current players to learn and sing the Clifton song-----“C L IF T O N ----WE ARE THE CLIFTON MEN”---REPEATED ENDLESSLY-------someone please pass on the challenge to John Cannon who was such a fine choir master  --------Welsh tenor you know in the Cotham Grammar School choir.  Get him to explain how we used to play “dead rats” as well-----whatever happened to left handed drinking?

Weather wise on the day the temperature outside the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi was 25 degrees but much chillier with us.  Bob Reeves had guests from the Kenyan Paralympics delegation and Kenyan High Commission visiting Bristol to prepare for their pre Olympic camp later in the year.  Great to have them with us and thanks to the willing souls who gave them scarves, hats and gloves.  Something different from their beloved and well chilled Tusker lager is iced Doom Bar.

Check out the website www.bristolkenyanpartnership.com

To make it a club day match sponsor was the Bush Consultancy courtesy of our own Rob Davis and Martin Kendall.
Darren rightly named the entire squad as men of the match----his credit rating at the Clifton Sausage presumably remains high?

Probably the busiest post match bar this season and so good to have recent and long past players making links.  Several matrons of residential care homes did however have curfews on some older guys and younger players had homework to rush off to do.

On the road a terrific bonus point win at Lydney [spell check Sydney] and a fine first half at Richmond show the boys to be on imperious form.  Darren promises “almost” his strongest team for the Barnes game.
New boy Sam Smith from UWE became man of the match  at Lydney with a hat trick of tries---surely a first for the club on debut.

For modest bribes the PA announcer remains willing to credit the attendance of girl friends, those receiving honours from Her Majesty, Tom P rescuing horses a la War Horse on the A 4174[ask him about it!], new babies etc etc-------my deep apologies to the player though with three girl friends----such a shame they all turned up on the same day.  

Press reports indicate that Ben Jordan really does want to relinquish his duties------he has given such outstanding service in all ways and whatever he will remain integral to the club.  Perhaps Ben will come over the pitch to join us in the Stand and away from the influence of President Raine’s crowd below the score box?

Roger Opie - match day public announcer