This game developed into a tense last quarter after Canterbury had made considerable inroads into what appeared to be safe Clifton lead.
The home side started with some confident expansive attacks and following sound handling by the pack, returning winger Will Pomphrey finished strongly with a score in the corner.
The Clifton pack was proving a handful in the tight and loose, with Bath Academy's
Josh Bayliss having an outstanding debut in the back row alongside Andy Chesters.
An opportunist drop goal from Brad Barnes increased the lead before a Canterbury catchand drive produced a forward rumble and try by Sam Kenny to cut the deficit.
Sam Harrison's break gave Dan Wells the space to cross and enhance Clifton's lead with Barnes converting. A slick Pomphrey jink, inside lead to an Ian Clark try to provide
a 22-5 half time lead.
The second half belonged to the visitors, who maintained stron pressure on the Clifton defence, with the home side managing a lone Barnes penalty.
Roger Opie
Tom Best kicked three points and a wild Clifton pass allowed Guy Hilton to cross before Best pounced to run in and convert his own try.
Clifton held on for their first win of the term.