Clifton achieved their objective in returning from the North West with maximum points
and outscored their hosts by four tries to one on a heavy pitch with a slippery ball,
which made handling not easy.

However, league positions become irrelevant when a team seeking to avoid relegation
raises their game and takes every scoring opportunity. Macclesfield were tenacious
with the boot of centre Harry Oliver keeping them in the game and giving them a one-
point lead at halftime.

Oliver’s early successful kick was countered by visiting full back Alex Howman
scoring an unconverted try, following a fine break by centre Marcus Nel. Oliver’s
second penalty followed pressure on the Clifton line to set up the interval lead. The
home supporters were sensing an upset to improve National League survival
chances.

Clifton began the second period with increased intent with some positive cross field
play resulting in a try out wide for centre Matty Smith. Tom Farrell though quickly
countered the Clifton score, with Oliver converting to put his team in the lead and
quickly adding another penalty.

This proved a wake-up call for the lavender and blacks in a tighter game than
expected. They began to exert some serious pressure with two tries in quick
succession through the power of the pack.

Once again it was number eight Niall Gibbons to the rescue, as he used his power to
touch down within a pile of bodies. Replacement Ollie Millner converted and soon it
was another regular scorer, hooker Tom Anderson’s, turn to find the line for the try
bonus point.

Some prolonged time spent in scrums eventually yielded a penalty opportunity for
Millner to put his team nine points clear. Macclesfield were not done, and fly half
Tom Farrell put over a penalty to gain his team a losing bonus point which may prove
important in their final league position come April.

A somewhat relieved Clifton keep the pressure on leaders Camborne, with their next
fixture being against a resurgent Redruth. As stated on a few occasions any team is
capable of beating any opposition in this competitive league.

MISFITS 12 - 27 KINGSWOOD 1s

Clifton welcomed mid-table Kingswood to Station Road, hoping to improve on their performance from the away fixture earlier in the season. Once again, due to injuries, Clifton were forced to play several forwards in their backline. This match also marked the final appearance for one of the season’s standout players, Luis Gutierrez, who is set to return to his native Chile next week.

Kingswood were awarded a penalty try after a player was impeded from scoring. 
Despite Kingswood dominating early possession, Clifton showed excellent defensive work.

14mins in Clifton Scrum-half Mike Wyatt dived over after strong carry work from debutant No.8 Jacob Head. 
Kingswood capitalised on several Clifton errors to score again making it 5-12

The visitors pack began to assert dominance in the scrum, and after a try line scramble a ruck formed behind the Clifton try line, and a controversial decision saw a Kingswood hand deemed to have touched the ball down. Clifton protested but the Referee was absolute. 
Kingswood were denied a try just before half-time when a risky pass was intercepted and carried 70 yards, only to be stopped by a superb tackle from Wyatt, forcing a forward pass which the referee spotted.

Half-time: 5-17

Clifton responded well early in the second half with a well-worked try. Flanker Rohan Robinson pounced on a chip through from Lang after some patient build-up play and strong possession. Fly-half Will Lang added the extras.

Kingswood quickly retaliated, battering the Clifton defence to score out wide. 
Clifton’s torment was made worse when substitute prop Alex Ede, only recently on the pitch, was yellow-carded for failing to roll away after the hosts had received a final warning from the referee.

With 10mins to go Kingswood sealed the game, breaching Clifton’s defence out wide once again despite a long period of defence.

Full-time: 12-27

A stop-start, gritty encounter, with Kingswood deserving winners in the end. Clifton showed moments of competitiveness but will reflect on errors that allowed their opponents too much freedom at times. However, the return of Robinson from injury and the promising debut of Jacob Head, who impressed throughout, will offer Clifton some hope for the final five games of the season. Head was deservedly named Thatchers Man of the Match.

Clifton Rugby would like to extend a huge Muchas Gracias and adios to Luis Gutierrez for his significant contribution to the 3rd team this season.

With a week off, the Misfits will next travel to Barton Hill in early March.

Photographs by Ian Clark