On a day that marked the final home appearances for Bournville stalwarts James Weaver and Stefan Thorp, the visitors crossed for eight tries, powered by a hat-trick from hooker Tom Anderson and a brace from winger Zak Hamid, capped by five Ollie Millner conversions.

Played on Bournville’s slick artificial surface, the match was as fast and fluid as any this season. The home side, already relegated, showed admirable character, matching Clifton for large spells and earning a deserved bonus point. Though Clifton’s pace and finishing eventually told, relegated Bournville’s spirit, energy, and community pride shone throughout.

Clifton struck within a minute as Anderson crashed over from short range for his first of three on the day. But Bournville were in no mood to lie down. Reiss Price replied quickly, capitalising on early pressure, and Jacob Fewtrell added a penalty to level things up, before Zak Hamid raced over for Clifton’s second, his footwork and speed perfectly suited to the hard surface.

Winger Matty Smith then crossed to push Clifton clear, but the hosts responded through Nathan Decalmer, with Fewtrell’s accuracy keeping the scoreboard moving. Anderson’s second try, followed by a quick reply from Bournville in the form of a penalty try, left the game finely poised.

Clifton emerged after the break with renewed focus, power and precision. Ollie Millner finished off a sharp phase of play following a Marcus Nel break and added the conversion, before scrum-half Mitchell Spencer darted over from fifty metres to take the visitors to 38–20. With momentum firmly behind them, Anderson then completed his hat-trick as a fitting reward for a commanding display at the heart of Clifton’s pack.

Still, Bournville weren’t finished. Harper powered over after a well-worked passage, and Fewtrell landed a second penalty to keep the scoreboard respectable. But the final blow came from Hamid, who raced over for his second try with his pace once again proving a key threat on the wide-open surface.

The final stages were marred by cards: Adam Shaw saw yellow for Bournville, Hamid followed him briefly for Clifton, and James Burgoyne was shown red on 70 minutes for foul play, which was a disappointing end to a game that was otherwise played with great intent and effort.

While Clifton now look ahead to a final-day showdown against Exeter University at home on April 26th that could see them crowned champions, Bournville were left to reflect on a spirited showing that exemplified everything good about the club.

Written by Roger Opie

Photographs by Ian Clark