Rotherham’s victory came as a result of the foundation laid by the size and power of their pack and the ability to seize opportunities. Full back Isaac Shaw often led the way with two tries and a 50-22 kick to the corner leading to the penalty try.

Clifton will take positives with some stern tackling, particularly from their back row of Jay Evans, Brad Talbot and Clifton Sausage Man of the Match number eight Harry Hone who made ground at every opportunity. As the game progressed the backs made serious efforts to overcome the defence of the Yorkshire men and contain their three quarter line.

A catch and drive sent hooker Morgan Vaness over to open the Titans scoring, with centre Lloyd Hayes landing the first of four conversions. A Clifton catch and drive saw flanker Evans use his strength to touch down. As half time approached wing Jackson Barling ended a touch line move to cross wide out. The visitors had the better share of territory and possession but Clifton retained a sense of purpose to influence the game. A foot race in chasing a kick ahead saw the Titans just prevent a home score. Clifton full back Harry Johnson put in some strong kicks to give his team good field positions, and his fellow backs defended well on several occasions.

The second half saw the lavender and black men show their best form this season with lively back play. However, the opportunistic Shaw rounded off some swift passing to strike twice, and further pressure led to the penalty try before a loose bouncing ball was taken by Barling for his second.

However Clifton were now upping a gear, for hooker Tom Anderson to benefit from good play and with a further try coming from Ricky Cano in the closing minutes to leave Clifton with positives as they adjust to life in National 1. They were a little unfortunate to miss out on a bonus point but can take encouragement from many individual performances. Mitch Spencer and Tom Quinlan performed well under pressure at half back and, when rested, newcomers Max McCarthy at scrum half and former Ireland Under 20 stand off James McKinney at stand off demonstrated very adequate cover in those positions.

Clifton have now played three of the top four rated teams in this league with serious goals to advance to higher levels. In the coming weeks they will expect to set up some victories.

Roger Opie

MISFITS 45 - 14 OLD ELIZABETHANS 2s

After a brief two-week hiatus in the league schedule, the Misfits welcomed Old Elizabethans 2nd XV to Station Road for a spirited and entertaining contest that saw the hosts secure a 45–14 victory in front of a lively crowd.

Despite fielding a scratch side, Clifton showcased both depth and flair, with several notable changes to their usual line-up. Former Colt Ronnie Bucknell made a promising debut, while fellow Colt Cian Lightburn impressed in an unfamiliar role at scrum-half. Club favourite Adam Walters returned to action on the wing, adding further energy to the backline.

Clifton wasted no time asserting their intent. Within three minutes, winger Sam Thomas crossed the whitewash after exploiting space out wide, setting the tone for the afternoon.

The hosts doubled their advantage on 12 minutes as second row Sion Johnson powered through a gap to score under the posts, with Jake Wakeling adding the extras.
Moments later, Thomas was at it again, collecting a pinpoint cross-field kick from full-back Milner to dot down for his second. Wakeling remained perfect from the tee, and by the 18th minute, Thomas had completed a first-half hat-trick following another well-worked attack down the flank.

Stand-in flanker Nat Parmenter then capped off a slick team move just before the interval, again converted by Wakeling, sending Clifton into the break with a commanding 33–0 lead.

Centre Harry Leigh opened the second-half scoring in style, finishing a length-of-the-field effort just minutes after the restart. However, a lapse in discipline around the 50-minute mark allowed Old Elizabethans to strike back, crashing over from close range for a converted try.

To their credit, the visitors continued to compete with grit and determination, and although Milner added a brilliant solo effort from 60 yards out on 75 minutes – Wakeling converting once more – it was Old E’s who had the final say, registering their second converted try with two minutes to play.

Full Time: Clifton Misfits 45 – 14 Old Elizabethans 2nd XV

Though the scoreboard favoured the hosts, Old Elizabethans enjoyed decent spells of possession and contributed significantly to an enjoyable match played in excellent spirit throughout.

Clifton extend their thanks to Old Elizabethans for a competitive and good-natured contest.

Joint Thatchers Man of the Match honours were awarded to captain Andy Chapman for his tireless work rate and Sam Thomas for his clinical hat-trick.

After notching up over 100 points in two games The Misfits will now enjoy a well-earned rest next weekend, with several players likely to feature for the Wanderers in their Friday Night Lights clash against Bristol University 2nd XV.

On 4th October the Misfits return to make the journey to Yate in Counties 4 Gloucestershire South.

Tries:
Thomas (3)
Johnson
Parmenter
Leigh
Milner
Cons:
Wakeling (5)

Photographs by Ian Clark