Saturday 5th January 2008

National 3 South
Clifton 13 - 39 Rosslyn Park

As ever there were changes to the Clifton team, both from the last match before Christmas against Dings and from the selected side. There was a ray of hope as young centre Steve Leonard made his debut after suffering a broken leg in the pre-season at Redruth. He replaced Gregg Setherton, still suffering from a long standing niggling injury. He was joined in the starting line up by fellow Colt Donald Blake; back from University at scrum half. There was also the welcome return on the bench of Dave Butler, missing since September with a hernia problem that will require surgery. The return of Paul Reid to the bench is also a welcome addition to the squad.

The game started badly for Clifton with an early park try. A scrum in midfield after 3 minutes saw the no.8 pick and create the extra man for an easy try by the right wing. Park looked the stronger side in contact but the next chance came to Clifton but the ball was lost as Steve Leonard was tackled just 2 metres short of the line. The power in contact showed through soon after as the park 6 broke through following several missed tackles in the build up. The conversion made the score 12 points to nil.

JB pulled back 3 points and soon after Rob Viol scored from half way following an interception and with JB adding the conversion the gap was narrowed to 2 points. This was soon nullified as again missed tackles and then a penalty gave a simple opportunity to Mahony. JB again narrowed the gap as a penalty was advanced for not retreating and the score at half time was Park 15 Clifton 13.

Park scored first in the next period, and indeed monopolised the scoring for the remainder of the game. Mahony faced with a limited narrow side defence was able to carry the ball forward, and the support arrived to provide a try for the left wing. Inevitably the touchline conversion was good and Park were now in charge. A penalty on 57 minutes confirmed the gap and a try followed on 61. Turnover ball was won and the ball ran well for the full back to score. As we know when we play Park, Mahony doesn't miss many kicks and of course he was on target again.

Clifton did threaten the line on a couple of occasions with Leonard and the back row looking lively but an attempted chip through the defence hit legs and the ball was run back and almost resulted in another home score but good last gaps defence prevented the try. Park were to finish the game off though. Clifton were looking ragged at this stage. An aimless drop out and poor chase was fielded by the replacement flanker. He broke several tackles to score from half way and with the final successful conversion left the score 39-13 at the final whistle.

Park will know it was a tough game for 50 minutes but ultimately Clifton fell short of the standard required to compete effectively. There were some good moments and there was a lot of positives from the performances of the two returning players, Butler, who replaced Trinick in the first half and Leonard. If these two can be kept on the pitch together there is every chance of causing the opposition some problems in the coming weeks.

Clifton scorers: try Viol; Conversion Barnes, penalties Barnes 2

Clifton team: Steadman, Mace, White, Cox, Smith, Walker, Lambert (Capt), Levis, Blake, Barnes, Trinick, Kent B, Leonard, Viol, Kent S.

Reps: Raines (for White 72), Reid (for Smith 66), Hardy (for Mace 57), Butler (for Trinick 34).