With our cup games postponed due to a combination of bad weather and Broadplain's tour, Clifton needed a fixture to get us ready for the games ahead. Having themselves lost in the cup 14-13 to Old Pates (controversially), Cleve were also at a loose end, so a hastily arranged fixture suited both teams.

With next week-end being the Nando's Cup, we agreed to play games of 10 a side which, for reasons none of us have ever understood, seems to suit us better than 15s or 7s. We were without Ryley, who loves this format of the game, but not as much as he loves his bed, and as it happened we did rather well without him.

We played three separate 20 minute games, giving all of the boys plenty of game time. From the first whistle the boys moved the ball well, tackled like demons and showed Cleve how mobile we really are when we don't get drawn into an arm wrestle.

It was a great team performance and everyone played their part. Our defence was again outstanding, and when we can put it all together we will be tough to beat. I've no idea what the final scores were, but we were certainly clear winners.

Individual highlights for me were Hugo's chip over the defence for a speeding Herbie to gather and score in the corner, Sam Read scorching down the right for a good winger's try, Olly Morris putting in a fantastic shift at hooker and Dom's delayed reaction to being tackled, which saw him stumble 30m and just fail to roll over the line. Champagne moment though goes to Louis who, having tackled an opponent so late he was almost showered and changed, proceeded to put in such a puppyish look of innocence that a telling off was impossible. A stage career beckons.

More of the same please.

Nick (standing in for Hamish)

Clifton Rugby Club

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