It was a jubilant Clifton group which left the North West, after not just recording their first victory in National League One, but doing so with some style and with a try bonus point in the bag before half time.

Clifton set out their stall in the opening minutes, with some adventurous play producing a try for winger Ollie Harris converted by fly half Tom Quinlan, who went on to add the extras to the first four tries. Place kicking was significant in the win, with James McKinney the replacement number 10, converting the final try and adding two penalties at a critical point in proceedings.

While Clifton led for most of the afternoon, at one point there was a one point margin and pressure in the final quarter, which was eased by the McKinney kicks. Heading towards the final whistle, Clifton led by four points with the Tigers exerting pressure, before the lavender and blacks, playing in dazzling pink away attire, broke away. Once again all action flanker Jay Evans found the strength to put the result beyond doubt. Character and determination were hallmarks of the result, especially after the loss through injury of influential skipper Toby Hutchinson, who had crashed over for the second try from a well controlled rolling maul.

Clifton’s back row was in fine form, with number eight Harry Hone nominated as the Rugby Paper’s Star Man and flanker Brad Talbot, declared the Clifton Sausage Man of the Match, through being outstanding in showing his customary power in both defence and attacking opportunities.

The Tigers scored twice with a converted try and penalty and briefly led through a further try, before Talbot firmly put his mark on proceedings by crossing twice. A barnstorming run saw him shrug off opponents and then a strong Clifton scrum gave him the chance to touch down for the bonus point try. 15-28 at the interval.

After the break, Sedgley pressure led to a converted try followed by another out wide to reduce the margin to a single point, but the two well taken McKinney penalties, with one Sedgley success in between, meant the margin was now four points with both teams sniffing a win.

The Clifton pack responded, with the Evans try settling the outcome as the match headed towards a fine win on the 153rd anniversary of Clifton RFC’s formation.

Head coach Luke Cozens summed up the achievement as 100 percent deserved after three weeks of tremendous effort.

Roger Opie

Photographs by Ian Clark