Some excellent attacking by Clifton backed up with some extremely solid defence when called into action gave the platform for a convincing win over the students.
Clifton scored five tries, all of which were converted by fly half Luke Cozens whose tactical kicking was a key factor in the victory over a team who, at times, battered the visitor’s line but met a well organised and resolute defence. The coaching staff will be well satisfied with their team’s work rate and positive attitude.

The Clifton pack dominated their hosts in scrums and line outs with second row Tom Wilson
especially impressive and backed by leading contributions from hooker Bertie Stretch and all action flanker Max Woodward. The back line with Alex Howman ever prominent seized attacking opportunities. Luke Cozens was flawless in his control of the game and his game management put Clifton in the right areas of the field.

Early strikes came from winger Matty Ward after the ball was spread wide following a turnover . Scrum penalties were being won as pressure was exerted and scrum half Will O’Connor took full advantage of a clever Cozen’s chip ahead to snipe across the line to increase the lead.

The Exeter men came into the game in the second half with Luke Bralsford running in a pick and go try. A Woodward intervention soon though extended the lavender and black lead and although home winger Hugo Hughes scored twice, they were not really in contention.
A try from hooker Bertie Stretch and a second for O’Connor had been more than enough to open up the winning gap to see Clifton keep the pressure on league leaders Leicester Lions who secured a very late penalty to defeat Dings.

Matt Salter was pleased with his charges and how they won. "This is a hard place to come, credit to the boys today, I thought we were very good. There one of two things we need to sharpen up on - but we controlled that game well. Exeter couldn't get out of their half the first half and that was down to our control of the game, backing our D and working hard for each other. We slipped off one too many tackles, but we were there to mop up after each other. We still aren't firing on all cylinders in attack, but we are getting there and it is really starting to click. I think the frustrating thing for us is we know, other than maybe one or two games, we haven't hit our straps yet, so that is a positive to keep working towards as we head into a heavy block of fixtures in Feb and Bournville next week."

Clifton Wanderers remain comfortably top of Counties 2 Gloucester 2 South after Lydney pulled out of their game at Station Road owing to a perceived unsafe pitch.

Clifton Misfits then played on the pitch against Barton Hill.