Clifton brought off an impressive away victory in the Forest of Dean in this second versus third place tussle which places the lavender and blacks hot on the heels of league leaders Camborne.

A tenth successive victory, and a first win at their opponent’s ground in almost twenty years demonstrated the team's confidence and ability to seize every scoring opportunity.

Director of Rugby Matt Salter commented, “The game was much tighter than the score suggests but we had the edge in the important areas." Salter recognised the difference made by the powerful midfield runners, with a good balance in the back line which allows his team to use different tools in various parts of the game. "Once Clifton get into their stride they are dangerous", he pointed out.

The home team took an early lead from a Harry Johnson penalty but it was Clifton who crossed the line first, when powerful centre Will Owen crashed through the defence to run in from the 22 line. Fly half Ollie Milner converted and went on to contribute fourteen points from his kicks. Clifton were briefly under pressure but a gap emerged in the home defence with scrum half Mitch Spencer jinking through to use an audacious sidestep and go under the posts.

Just before the interval, Cinderford hit back with winger Sam Smith scoring out wide His team infringed from the re-start to allow a Milner penalty to give his team a nine-point lead.

The Clifton pack was having a good game with Clifton Sausage man of the match Toby Hutchinson much to the fore. They were held up over the line and winger Zak Hamid was a denied a touch down.

Prop Jake Buckley forced his way over to extend the lead before the Forest men again scored in the corner through Stan Foulks-Underhill. Moments later flanker Jay Evans, now a regular scorer, confirmed the lead with the bonus point try.

A third home try from Will Baldwin had little impact on the outcome especially as the last hurrah was Clifton’s as an interception sped winger “AK” Kilbane on an eighty metre sprint to the posts.

A deserved win to celebrate and achieved through high energy in defence and attack throughout proceedings with strong running and bursts from backs and forwards.

Story: Roger Opie
Photo: Wyn Tingley (the Clifton team in a victory huddle)