Longlevens overcome U14s in Cup

The long awaited re run of last year's Gloucester Cup final was finally here with all the Clifton team well prepared, motivated and hungry for revenge. Beneath the grey skies Clifton supporters were in good voice.

The game started at a fast pace and, no surprise, we more than held our own, solid tackling from Clifton rocked Longlevens back when they had the ball and their big and threatening back line got nowhere running into a brick wall defence with Owen and Gage both putting in some big hits.

Longlevens kicked long and high as a result but Paul, Alec and I were always able to safely gather the ball and run it back on several occasions. Things were looking good and Longlevens knew they were in for a real battle but sadly against the run of play Longlevens picked up a loose ball at a ruck and were able to attack up the wing and score. The Longlevens 10 added the extra points from under the posts. 0-7

We were not phased and focused on attacking the Longlevens line. We spent what seemed an age in their 22 , we ran several penalties getting really close on several occasions before Gage went over from short range after we recycled the ball at a ruck and went wide. The Clifton supporters went wild ! 5-7

The power of our scrummaging was really getting on top of the Gloucester Champions and they chose to take the points when given a penalty from long range. Their number 10 stepped up and banged over a terrific kick 5-10.

Back we went and spent the rest of the half bashing at the Longlevens line, Owen was unlucky not to score, Ben Morgan went close as did others and we finished the half on top with Longlevens looking shell shocked.

The second half was a similar story, our scrummage was still a real force despite some injuries forcing changes but Longlevens finally got on top in the last 10 minutes scoring two tries that gave the score a bigger margin than the game really reflected. We felt gutted to lose but we all knew we had played a quality team and had put on a great performance even in defeat.

I would like to congratulate the whole team who all played their part in what I think was our best performance of the season against a really strong, well prepared and committed team. It shows that when we concentrate and play together we can match any side in the county. I know we have lots to improve on and lots to work on in training, I hate losing but strangely the match felt almost like a victory and seemed more enjoyable than many of the big wins we have had against weaker sides.

Finally I would like to say thanks to all the coaches and a really big thanks to our parents who were really loud on the touchline ! THANKS.

See you all at training guys.

ARON HAYNES