Clifton undone by in form Cambridge

We travelled to Cambridge with a depleted back division which included Mike Blundell making his senior league debut on the wing and utility back Allen Williams filling a vacancy on the bench. Fergus Manners normally usually a back row man slotted into the centre. The Foley brothers returned to the side with Charlie having recovered from a knee injury and Ben being called back after a loan spell at Plymouth. Andy Uren was another returnee after representing Filton and South Gloucester College in the final stages on the national AASE tournament. Gareth Mason was the only back on show in our last outing against Launceston. Congratulations to Tom Harrison who was included in the English Counties side which overcame their French opposite numbers on 13th March. The side has two games against Romanian selection during the summer and hope he is included in the squad for these games. Our former hooker Sam Wilkes now at Cinderford was also involved in the games against the French.

Earlier in the season we beat Cambridge by three points at home on a day when their starting line up was hit by injury and in recent weeks they have struck form and were seeking revenge.

The exposed ground at Cambridge was swept by a howling wind and the home side had the initial advantage. The home side had first use of the wind but our pack matched them at scrum and line out time as well as achieving several turnovers as they weathered the storm.

The pattern of the game changed at the end of the first quarter when No 8 Steve Hipwell imposed himself on the game. He made several darts at the line but was held by our defence before he feed centre Matt Goode who went over . The floodgates then opened in the space of eight minutes four further tries were scored. Goode completed his hat trick when he twice finished off well built moves created by fly half Ben Pinfold who the fervent Clifton watcher will know appeared for Shelford earlier in the season. Winger Jim Wrigglesworth and prop Tom Jones crossed before the break and full back James Stokes landed two conversions to give the home side a twenty nine point lead.

At the start of the second half we gifted a try to the opposition when flanker Simon Johnson intercepted and made ground before putting lock Ollie Marriott in for a try.

A strong run down the touchline by Ben Foley resulted in us setting up siege on the home line which ended with prop Paul Fincken forcing his way over with Charlie Foley converting. Shortly afterwards Ben was forced off with after receiving a knock to the knee.

Cambridge lost two players to the bin and with the wind becoming stronger both sides struggled to establish any continuity in the final stages. Scrum Half Stef Liebenberg ran a short penalty to score and in the final action of the game Stokes went over for a try he also converted.

Next Saturday is a Easter week end and there are no games so all clubs will have the chance to recharge their batteries before the final three weeks of the season.

Henley Hawks confirmed their top place finish last Saturday when they walloped Shelford. The race for the playoff spot will probably not be decided until l the final Saturday of the season. Currently Bishop’s Stortford are two points clear of Taunton Titans who themselves are clear of Dorking by the same number of points. Bishop’s Stortford remaining three games include two against clubs battling it out to avoid the remaining relegation spot. Bonus points may be the deciding factor.

In the North there are only two clubs in contention for the top two places which are current leaders Hull Ionians and Ampthill . If there is no change in the table Ampthill will be at home on the playoffs.

Dings Crusaders and Shelford will be playing in a lower league next season. The remaining relegation spot is between Lydney, Southend, Canterbury and ourselves. Lydney are seven points adrift of Southend and will struggle to pick up points at Bishop ‘s Stortford, but should record a win at home to Redruth which leaves a final day visit to Shelford. Southend have the hardiest run in with games against Taunton Titans. Bishop’s Stortford, and an away trip to Redruth. They will do well to take any points from these three games. We have to face an in form Worthing and Old Elthamians before travelling to Canterbury who are a point ahead of us. Could make for an interesting last Saturday though we hope our fate is decided by then.