Clifton gain the double over Dings

We recorded our second ever league double over our near neighbours Dings Crusaders with a convincing performance in an entertaining game

Building on our second half performance at Shelford the previous week we outscored them by six tries to three and in doing so recorded our highest score against them in a league game.

Dings came into the game looking for vital points to help ease their relegation fears but sadly after this result they stayed rooted to foot of the table.

They battled bravely throughout and if they can reproduce the spirit and competiveness they showed at times during this game they could surprise clubs during the run in.

Our approach was clinical and full of self belief and determination.

We took an early lead when scrum half Andy Uren took a quick tap penalty in his own half and made ground before linking with fly half Charlie Foley who crossed for a try he also converted.

This was followed by a second score as we maintained pressure through our pack on the visitors line and No 8 Ali Bone went over.

Clifton kept up the pressure with both backs and forwards combining in a move which went through several phases before prop Rupert Freestone had a simple run in to the corner. Foley converted.

Our opponents through the work of their forwards inspired by hooker Dave Wheeler came back into the game and their backs tested our defence and eventually winger and skipper Oli Reyland found a gap and went over.

We had a fourteen point lead at the break. There was a touch of controversy about our next try as the ball went lose into the in goal area and players from both sides went in search of the touchdown. A conference ensued between referee and assistant referee and eventually centre Sam Harrison was award a try which Foley converted.

On the hour Dings scored a second try through Reyland which was converted by full back Mark Woodrow.

We came back through the pack who lay siege to the Dings line and replacement James Stephenson forced his way over for a converted try.

Wheeler forced his way over for a converted try narrowing our lead to fourteen points

At this stage a converted try would have earned our visitor a couple of bonus points.

They proceeded to lay siege to our line which fully tested our defence. After a difficult ten minutes flanker Fergus Manners came away with the ball and when he reached half way passed to Bone who scored under the posts and Foley converted with the final kick of the game.

Adiiferent challenge haces us at top of the table Henley Hawks next week.