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Match Report: Clifton Rugby fall short of Pontypridd challenge

Match Report: Clifton Rugby fall short of Pontypridd challenge

Sam Harrison20 Aug 2017 - 09:52
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The first preseason fixture of the season saw Clifton Rugby defeated by strong welsh side Pontypridd.

PONTYPRIDD 47-26 CLIFTON

The day started well for the lavender and black squad. Clifton Rugby had an abundance of early possession, which gave them early success. Finlay Sharp crossed the white wash with an impressive break through the line, Brad Barnes added the extras.

However a sleepy start from the welsh home side soon subsided and scrum half Wayne Evans sniped over for a try which Pontypridd converted. The pressure on the Clifton defence continued but to much relief Ponty's second visit to the Clifton Rugby try line resulted in a disallowed try. Despite a heart filled effort from Clifton the first half finished in a confident display by the opposition. Ponty Full back Lloyd Rowlands launched a dynamic counter for winger James Gahan to cross, then following a series of drives, lock Josh Hawkins powered over, both tries converted by Bird to put Ponty 21pts to 7 ahead at the interval.

Undeterred Clifton Rugby came out fighting. The second half started much like the first. Clifton established early territory and applied the pressure. To much frustration they couldn't convert their efforts into points. After a few replacement changes Ponty sent their centre through the middle to go over for another converted try.

As we know from last season Clifton are not a team to bow out lightly. Impressive structured play lead the side to an offensive line out. Where the big men up front set up a driving maul and it was flanker, Rhys Luckwell who came away with the spoils of a try. Barnes converted and the side's momentum started to pay dividends as they sent new winger Bentley Halpin over for a try out wide.

However repeatedly poor defence cost Clifton and Ponty crossed for two more tries. The last word went to Clifton and one of our new centres Marcus Beer. The lavender and black side drove relentlessly to the home line, and a well linked up play between forwards and backs saw our newbie cross over the line, Barnes' conversion bringing up a final score-line of 47pts to 26.

The senior squad are back in action next week as they play away to Hartpury RFC. For more information on Clifton Rugby please follow our social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

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