The final game of Clifton’s impressive pre-season preparations saw their strength, speed and fitness in evidence in this eight try victory over last season’s winners of the Welsh Championship.
The coaches showed satisfaction with their team especially when the bench was gradually emptied without undue loss of momentum. Bargoed suffered in the line out and, at times, were pushed backwards in the scrums.by a powerful Clifton eight
The home team started with pace and Nick Selway crossed from a well worked catch and drive. Minutes later the hooker scored again with Luke.Cozens converting. Bargoed showed attacking spirit when scrum half James Leadbbetter broke clear to race under the posts with Stefan Jones adding the two points. .
New recruit from the Championship Will Owen, who impressed throughout, then broke clear to touch down before Zak Hamid, a product of the club’s junior section, sped across the line with Cozens converting both efforts from his three quarters.
This opened up a nineteen point interval lead with the crowd appreciating the fast flowing rugby often initiated by half backs Cozens and Mitch Spencer who used every opportunity to spread the ball wide.
Following the re-start Spencer darted down the blind side to catch the visitors unaware . Bargoed showed some determination and Matthew Thomas went over but the introduction from the bench of last season’s National 2 South try scorer Fin Sharp with a well-executed chip and chase try extended the lead for the lavender and blacks
Clifton forward pressure won them a penalty try and Bertie Stretch finished off a move to conclude the scoring. and give great hope to the club at it enters its 150th season.