The impact of Storm Bert was always going to be a key factor in determining the outcome of this encounter. Reflecting post-match, Head Coach Luke Cozens was well satisfied with his team’s ability, particularly in the second half, to retain the ball even though it felt like a bar of soap, and to minimise giving away penalties and making errors.

Although the Hornets took the early initiative to lead by six points it was Clifton who, as the game progressed, took a firm grip on the atrocious conditions to dominate the second half and secure the try bonus point.

Early exchanges in the storm force wind and driving rain saw both teams test each other with probing kicks. Handling errors were inevitable and the visitors, with penalty goals from Luke McMullan and Robbie Carter, took their chances to lead.

It was the home team who mounted pressure as the match progressed with well-structured attacks. Centre Will Owen burst through, and good handling sent in form winger Zak Hamid over the line, with Tom Quinlan adding the first of four successful conversions. Quinlan who kicked well all afternoon, strategically and from the tee, kicked a penalty to set up a narrow lead at the interval.

The second period saw a dominant home team run in three further tries as they played the conditions well with half backs Quinlan and Mitch Spencer orchestrating proceedings.
Clifton’s pack performed well under the challenging conditions, with hooker Tom Anderson being given the Clifton Sausage man of the match award for a fine all-round effort.

Niall Gibbons was strong in the tight exchanges and powerful in loose play. He stormed over for two tries, with the solid Alex Howman at full back sprinting over after a well-judged AJ Kilbane kick to the corner saw him gather the ball himself and run through the defence to feed Howman and round off the scoring.

Six successive wins see Clifton in a strong second place in the league table

Story: Roger Opie
Photo: Ian Clarke