Clifton threw caution to the wind from the kick off and ran the ball from all parts of the pitch to attack the Exmouth defence. With forwards and backs combining well in the early stages they gained a seventeen points lead through tries from flanker Mike Luxton and two from outstanding prop Charlie Bullimore who ran forty metres to cross and then powered over again for Brad Barnes to convert.

Exmouth doomed to relegation played with spirit throughout an entertaining encounter
The Clifton scrum was dominant and putting the Cockles under real pressure. However either side of the interval the visitors came back into the game as Clifton appeared to relax, become too loose and make mistakes. Clever positional kicks from Cadywould and tries from winger Jack Downie and centre Mark Wathes with one converted by Rich Cadywould put a dent in the Clifton lead.

Clifton came back with a Max Woodward try converted by Barnes but early in the second period a rumble by the Exmouth pack led to a try by James Downie followed by a Cadywould penalty to reduce the Clifton lead to four points. Clifton however regained their focus and came back strongly with powerful centre Dan Wells crossing twice with Barnes converting one of his efforts to secure the five points.

Clifton Rugby
Tries: Luxton [4] Bullimore [6 & 20] Woodward [35] Wells [59 & 65]
Conversions: Barnes [21, 36 &60]

Exmouth RFC
Tries: Downie [23 &44] Wathes [32]
Conversions[:/b] Cadywould [33]
[b]Penalties: Cadywould [52]