While Clifton headed back up the M5 with five points from this encounter their hosts, reduced to fourteen players for part of the game, fought valiantly to be rewarded with a losing bonus point secured from the last play of the afternoon.

Clifton gave a debut to second row Paddy Pearce ,an England Under 18 player, who came up through the club’s mini and junior ranks en route to the Bristol Bears. He joined fellow Bear and original Clifton player Joe Owen in packing down together.

A combination of steady rain, gusting wind ,errors in execution and a strong home defence did prevent Clifton from scoring more points especially when Hornets lost a player through an alleged head butt in the first half. The handling errors will concern the coaches ahead of next week’s visit of league leaders Leicester Lions.

It took twenty minutes before winger Alex Howman opened their account after several phases with the only score of the first half. Early after the interval Joe Owen picked up a loose ball to double the lead.

In spite of their reduced number the Hornets came into contention to break through with Pierre Tucker sliding over with full back Charlie Carter converting. Skipper Courtney Harris then put histeam in the lead.

The lavender and black machine then quickly used their experience and restored the lead when Matt Ward scored in the corner and then Zak Ward went under posts. He converted both efforts to establish a twelve point lead but it was another Ward ,, this time Kieran Ward from the home side, who had the final say in powering over with the clock in red with Carter converting to win a
deserved bonus point.
Clifton will know that they still have the ability and power to challenge the best and remain in second places chasing Leicester Lions.

Clifton Wanderers with a 76-5 demolition of Dings second string further strengthened their
leadership of Gloucestershire League 2 and gave the club some consolation from the 1 st XV late loss
last weekend Fifty unanswered points in the send half saw them exert constant pressure. Front row
men Sam Turner, Beno Edwards and Jake Buckley were formidable with key performances from
Max Murphy and man of the match flanker Will Mortimore with a brace of tries
Clifton retain a strong base of competent players across their squads .