Bournemouth came to Station Road for the first time in National League 2 South against the background of some feisty pre-match comments from their Club media. Clifton Rugby’s 3rd place status was being questioned and the visitors felt it was their place to ask.

It all seemed to be going to Bournemouth’s plan when after sustained Clifton pressure but a series of errors, the visitors broke away and scored on 8 minutes through Everett-Bolter which was converted by Hancox (0-7) - the Bournemouth bench was jubilant. The visitor’s sustained their pressure for a further 10 minutes until the men in Lavender and Black started to adapt their game.

An attacking line out and resulting rolling maul led to the home team’s first try through Uren on 16 minutes which Dixon converted (7-7). Just 5 minutes later a stretching cross-field move saw Sharp score and Dixon convert (14-7). The sun was shining and Clifton were building momentum. Bournemouth grabbed 3 penalty points from the boot of Hancox on the half hour (14-10) but Clifton responded with a stylish, blistering move that resulted in McDonald touching down in the corner; Dixon converted his 3rd (21-10). The first half ended with Clifton being held up on the try line after repeated attempts for a fourth try.

The second half started with both sides looking boisterous but Clifton received the restart and pushed hard. A spirited and talented 70m run saw winger Sharp touchdown for his second (and bonus point try) and replacement fly half Barnes added the extras (28-10).

The character of the match and the weather changed with bad tempers and persistent rain. The next 30 minutes were attritional with a slippery ball and a yellow card for Bournemouth fly half Chislett on 47 minutes.

The match was drawing to a close in difficult conditions when a forward move had Bournemouth over the try line for their second score from Russell which was not converted (28-15).

Clifton Rugby will feel good after the win but frustrated by the errors and are certainly looking forward to the trip down the M5 on Friday evening to face Taunton Titans.

"We were relentless in the first half, they couldn't live with our tempo but we were probably a bit guilty of over-chasing both sides of the ball; we were inaccurate in the second half and we took our foot off the gas. It was frustrating, they didn't cause us any real problems and we couldn't stretch our legs but we won't dwell on it, we've picked up 5 points and we're looking ahead to a big game next weekend away to Taunton. We'll continue to focus on ourselves and the boys are already bouncing about the week ahead."
Mike Barber, Assistant Coach

With Henley gaining a victory over unbeaten Tonbridge, next Friday night's West Country clash between 2nd & 3rd could have a big impact upon who finishes top of the league standings come next Saturday.

Stats:

Clifton Rugby: 28
Tries: Uren 16; Sharp 22, 41; McDonald 33
Conversions: Dixon 17, 23, 34; Barnes 42
Penalties: -
Drop Goals: -

Bournemouth RFC: 15
Tries: Everett-Boltert 8; Russell 74
Conversions: Hancox 9, 75
Penalties: Hancox 27
Drop Goals: -

Referee: Alan Chandrachud
Attendance: 106
Half Time: 21-10
Star Man: Jack Williams