The progress of this encounter was a little different from the indications of the first five minutes, when Albion raced into a fourteen-point lead. However the victory was underpinned by the strength of the visiting pack who forced Clifton into conceding several penalties.

However, the initial Plymouth blitz did not herald the massive score which their large army of travelling supporters from Devon now expected. As the game progressed Clifton showed true character in containing their opponents, with the second half try count only being two to one. A period of Clifton pressure late in the game arguably could have produced more points against a solid defence. The introduction of the full Clifton bench was a key feature, with Jay Evans and Brad Talbot setting a standard.

In the third minute lock forward Joe Bailey, their star man, crashed through the home defence to score with Iwan Jenkins kicking the first of four conversions. Bailey’s all-round display was evident at all times, and he also scored his team’s final try. Full back Harry Legg raced down the touch line to increase the lead for the second try.

A well-judged kick by Clifton scrum half Mitch Spencer was well fielded by winger Ollie Harris who went over. It was Harris who added a second in the second half with a touch line dash and retaining possession at a time when Clifton were holding their own. His effort certainly raised home spirits and encouraged the pack, with Clifton Sausage Man of the Match Freddie Myatt to the fore, to contain their opponents.

Albion’s third try came from winger Shea Cornish after his team had exerted pressure and the ball was spread wide. Joel Broadhurst scored at the start of the second period for Albion, but Clifton’s resistance was instrumental in a much more even second period, when they even won a scrum against the head to the delight of the entire team.

Facing a side with clear ambition to move into the Championship proved to be one of the sternest tests the lavender and blacks have faced so far. The score showed a big improvement in the Clifton ranks since the opening game in September down in Plymouth.

Story: Roger Opie
Photo: Ian Clark