Clifton Rugby 33 - 26 Taunton Titans

Both these teams came into this game on a series of wins. It was however Clifton who turned in their most complete performance of the season in the first sixty minutes to lead by thirty three points to seven before a red card and then a yellow forced them to hold on in the final quarter.

Head Coach Luke Cozens was quick to recognise the team’s development throughout the autumn period. The momentum generated by a largely settled team in recent weeks was evident in this fixture with strong defence, committed tacking, an impressive line-out showing, and strong running across the back division.

The nomination of prop Jake Buckley as Clifton Sausage Man of the Match represented the solid foundations that have been built to create plenty of good ball in mounting attacks. Both forwards and backs attacking potential is being realised.

Early pressure from Clifton enabled number eight Jake Holcombe to power over from a catch and drive with fly half Tom Quinlan putting over the first of four conversions. Soon after full back Luke Daniels kicked high and gathered the ball to send AJ Kilbane over the line to increase his try tally towards the team’s twenty eight tries in four wins.

The impressive Clifton backs, with centres Will Owen and Matty Smith particularly strong, were making dents in the Taunton defence and slick passing gave wing man Zak Hamid the chance to step inside the defence with Quinlan converting from way out.

A storming run by Titan’s centre Jermaine Jones led to a try converted by Louie Sinclair to reduce the margin.

A quickly taken tap penalty by scrum half Mitch Spencer led to his score when further quick passing gave Hamid his second try after the interval.

Taunton took advantage of Clifton’s reduced numbers with winger Rocky Prowse speeding in twice and they won a penalty try to force Clifton to hold on at the end. Clifton’s reduced numbers saw them remain tight in the close areas but understandably exposed in the wider channels. The club now moves into the top bracket in the league chasing leaders Camborne.

Story: Roger Opie

Wanderers 43 - 26 Taunton 2nd XV

In an action-packed match, the Wanderers secured a 43-26 victory over Taunton 2nd XV with a total of seven tries, asserting dominance from the outset. The game showcased the speed and precision of Clifton’s attacking lines, with fullback Jamie Stevens contributing heavily, racking up a hat-trick of tries and setting the tone early for his team.

Clifton opened their scoring account in the 5th minute when Stevens crossed the line, marking the first of his three tries. He quickly followed up with another try at the 10th minute, pushing Clifton ahead 10-0. The Wanderers’ relentless pressure paid off again in the 26th minute with scrum-half Jack Bowyer darting in for a try, which was converted by Ollie Millner to extend their lead to 17-0. Stevens completed his hat-trick in the 28th minute, again converted by Millner, widening the gap to 24-0.

Taunton's No. 7, Alex Long, managed to break through Clifton’s defense in the 32nd minute, scoring their first try. This was converted by Josh Guest, bringing the score to 24-7. Taunton maintained their resilience, with another quick try in the 38th minute from their No. 9, Oliver Guest, and a successful conversion from Joshua Guest made it 24-14. Clifton’s prop Louis White reclaimed control with a try in the 40th minute, converted by Millner, concluding the first half with Clifton leading 31-14.

Taunton began the second half with an energised effort as Marcus Heath added a try in the 50th minute, converted by Joshua Guest to bring them closer at 31-21. However, Clifton struck back just five minutes later with Stevens’ fourth try, restoring their lead to 36-21.

Taunton’s Oliver Wrelton managed a try in the 64th minute to bring them to 36-26, but Clifton’s relentless offense showed no signs of slowing. No. 8 Bradley Talbot crossed the line in the 72nd minute, and with Millner’s fifth successful conversion, Clifton finished the game at 43-26.

Kingswood 1st XV 31 - 7 Misfits

The Misfits travelled to newly promoted Kingswood this Saturday still hunting for their first win of the season.
Despite a spirited performance two weeks ago against rivals BAC, absences and injuries forced coach Mark Nichols to select 11 forwards in the starting lineup.

Clifton looked to apply pressure on the hosts in the opening quarter and despite sustained territory and possession could not capitalise on it.

The game remained at 0-0 for a long period until Kingswood notched a penalty, which saw them take the momentum away from Clifton and subsequently cross over for two swift back-to-back scores.

17-0 down at half-time the Misfits were not out of it, but what proceeded was an eventful half with Kingswood incurring a red card for violent conduct, but Clifton subsequently also lacking in discipline were issued with two successive yellow cards within minutes also.

Despite Clifton’s patches of bravery in attack Kingswood’s pack continued to find the upper hand and the home side were rewarded with a penalty try and two more scores out wide.

The visitors eventually began to make the extra man count and flanker Alex Andrews went over in the corner to take his season tally to 3 tries.
Clifton though were masters of their own demise, incurring yet another yellow card in the dying minutes which allowed Kingswood to continue to hold onto an unassailable lead.

Full-time score 31-7.

There were performances of note from Captain Pete Anderson and debutant centre Ravi Gedara, however, it was no.7 Alex Baker who took the Thatcher’s M-o-M award for his hard work at the breakdown, which was a constant thorn in Kingswood's side.

A tough defeat for the Lavender & Blacks who look to regroup to host league leaders Barton Hill 1s next week.

Tries:
A Andrews
Con:
W Lang