We sort out the best in Wales and were not disappointed

For a change of scenery, and to play the best that South East Wales have to offer, Clifton U13 took a trip over the Bridge, paid their £6.80 to enter God's Country and played a 3 way match with Llanishen and Llandaff.

The weather was good but the pitch was heavy going but the boys were looking forward to some great rugby that would put them through their paces. The teams had been pre-selected to make sure that all 20+ squad members who made the trip played at least 30 minutes of the 1 hour game time.

Llanishen were up first and took advantage of the jet lagged Clifton side scoring in the corner. Clifton were going to have to adapt to the 15 a side game, uncontested lifted lines outs (we didn't lift), No.8 picking up and scrum half snipping around the sides.

It was a hard fought first half which ended 5-0. Second half Clifton switched on and put the pressure on Llanishen. Held up on the line a couple of times finally a well drilled bank line set of hands put Jake over to level the scores at 5-5. Both sides looked dangerous in attack and Clifton were not used to the defence and tackling standard of Llanishen.

A great game ended 5-5.

Clifton stayed on and played Llandaff. An equally good side. Once again the Welsh side drew first blood to take the lead 5-0. It was not long before Jimmy, who had played some great rugby today equalised with a powerful run. Half time it was 5-5. Clifton seemed to have the edge but once again even when close to Llandaff's line just couldn't make it count. A line-out on the half way line was the last play of the match. As they say its not over till its over...Clifton shipped the ball out wide and made ground. A few more phases followed with some great forwards work before Milan made a break. There were men outside but Milan was feeling confident and made the line to seal a last second victory for Clifton. 10-5

We went to Wales to play some great rugby and were not disappointed. Both Llandaff and Llanishen played superb spirited rugby, never given an inch or missing tackles and were great in attack. They gave us the game we were looking for. Llandaff went on to beat Llanishen in their game in a hard fought local derby.

It was one of the best levels of sportsmanship of rugby we had experienced in some time. The players on all sides appreciating the standard of play of their opponents, a brilliant 16 year old ref who explained his decisions and a very friendly welcome from Llanishen and Llandaff and appreciation from the parents who clapped the Clifton side off. A great example of how rugby and sport should be.

We look forward to welcoming Llanishen and Llandaff to Clifton RFC later this season.