Encounters between these Bristol rivals regularly produce feisty moments . This narrowest of victories for the Crusaders was no exception with spectators experiencing excitement and , for the Clifton fans, frustration at the end
A decisive spell early in the game from the visitors in scoring seventeen unanswered points proved critical and presented their hosts with the need to play catch up. Clifton did well to get back in the game and with the clock running down they edged a two point lead only for Dings full back Ciaran Donoghue to clinch victory with a penalty as time ran out
The early onslaught from Dings was initiated by a Lewis Beer try from driving maul and swiftly followed by wingman Soloman Taufa brushing through tackles and forcing his way through the Clifton defence to add a second with Donoghue converting both efforts and then adding a penalty.to provide a comfortable cushion.
However, before the interval Clifton’s impressive number eight Brad Talbot crossed twice from catch and drive attacks with Luke Cozens converting the second and thereby reduce the margin to five points.
First score of the second half came from a drive with hooker Tom Anderson going over. The twelve point lead was soon cut when a lively Clifton attack featuring wing Matt Ward and Alex Howman following a kick and chase to score. .Hooker Fred Davies then went over from a catch and drive .with Cozens converting both tries to put his team in front for the first time
With time running away Clifton infringed and Ciaran Donoghue had a simple and successful shot at goal to the delight of his supporters to win the gam