Clifton brought off an impressive away victory in the Forest of Dean in this second versus third-place tussle which places the lavender and blacks hot on the heels of league leaders Camborne.

A tenth successive victory, and a first win at their opponent’s ground in almost twenty years, demonstrated the team's confidence and ability to seize every scoring opportunity.

Director of Rugby Matt Salter commented, “The game was much tighter than the score suggests but we had the edge in the important areas." Salter recognised the difference made by the powerful midfield runners, with a good balance in the back line which allowed his team to use different tools in various parts of the game. "Once Clifton get into their stride they are dangerous", he pointed out.

The home team took an early lead from a Harry Johnson penalty, but it was Clifton who crossed the line first when powerful centre Will Owen crashed through the defence to run in from the 22-metre line. Fly half Ollie Milner converted and went on to contribute fourteen points from his kicks. Clifton were briefly under pressure but a gap emerged in the home defence with scrum half Mitch Spencer jinking through to use an audacious sidestep and go under the posts.

Just before the interval, Cinderford hit back with winger Sam Smith scoring out wide. His team infringed from the re-start to allow a Milner penalty to give Clifton a nine-point lead.

The Clifton pack was having a good game, with Clifton Sausage Man of the Match Toby Hutchinson much to the fore. They were held up over the line and winger Zak Hamid was denied a touchdown.

Prop Jake Buckley then forced his way over to extend the lead before the Forest men again scored in the corner through Stan Foulks-Underhill. Moments later flanker Jay Evans, now a regular scorer, confirmed the lead with the bonus point try.

A third home try from Will Baldwin had little impact on the outcome, especially as the last hurrah was Clifton’s as an interception set winger “AK” Kilbane on an eighty-metre sprint to the posts.

A deserved win to celebrate, and achieved through high energy in defence and attack throughout proceedings with strong running and bursts from backs and forwards.

Match report - Roger Opie

OLD REDCLIFFIANS 2nd XV 17 - 28 WANDERERS

Clifton Wanderers put in a commanding performance to secure a 38-17 victory over Old Redcliffians 2nd XV, despite late changes to the starting lineup due to injury and illness.

The Wanderers started brightly, asserting dominance early on. At 16 minutes, Tom Hatch powered over the line after sustained pressure in the opposition half, with Blake Boyland adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead. However, an offside penalty at 20 minutes allowed Old Reds to close the gap to 7-3.

The home side then scored their first try on the half-hour mark, taking a narrow 10-7 lead. The Wanderers responded immediately, with Harper muscling over from close range after some persistent pressure. Boyland’s conversion sent the visitors into halftime leading 14-10.

Clifton emerged for the second half with renewed intensity, and the game turned in their favour when Old Reds’ No. 4 was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Jason Grinstead. Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Chris McCann crossed the line in the 47th minute, extending the lead to 19-10.

An injury to McCann saw Rowan Tweedale enter the fray, but the momentum stayed with Clifton. Harper secured his second try of the game in the 57th minute, with Boyland again adding the extras. A late tackle on Boyland resulted in a flurry of cards, with Old Reds’ No. 6 and Boyland both sent to the sin bin.

Old Reds managed to claw back a converted try at 61 minutes to make it 26-17, but the Wanderers were undeterred. Ed Grinsted restored the visitors' dominance with a try at 65 minutes, converted by Jamel Hamilton. Boyland capped off the performance with a sensational interception try in the final moments, sprinting 60 meters to score and seal the 38-17 victory.

Henry Harper earned the Thatchers Man of the Match award for his tireless leadership and two crucial tries. His physicality set the tone for a dominant forward display.

Despite disruptions to their starting lineup, Clifton Wanderers showcased their depth and composure. Their clinical finishing and disciplined packwork proved too much for Old Reds, cementing a well-deserved win as they continue their strong campaign in Counties 1 Western North.

MISFITS 7 - 27 COTHAM PARK 1st XV

Clifton Misfits took on Cotham Park at Station Road, with high hopes for a physical contest. A powerful pack, including the return of fan favourites Jake Morris at No.8 and Kinny Qumar at tight-head was set to make an impact in the tight exchanges. However, Cotham Park proved clinical in attack and took an early lead.

Cotham Park opened the scoring with a well-executed strike move out wide, converting the try.

Another slick attack from Cotham Park saw them go over in the corner again, converting for a 0-12 lead.

Clifton, however, began to assert dominance at scrum time, regularly shoving the visitors off the ball. They came close to scoring, with Ben Lang nearly crossing the line. But a loose scrum ball allowed Cotham Park to extend their lead.

A third Cotham Park try before halftime made it 0-17, and the Misfits were left with work to do in the second half.

Clifton were then dealt a further blow as stand-in scrum-half Lucas Spindler suffered a head injury, forcing a reshuffle in the backline with Spanish second row Luiz Lastra coming onto the wing to cover and Mike Wyatt stepping in at 9.

The visitors though continued to pile on the pressure, scoring again shortly after the break, making it 0-22.

In a period of asserted pressure by the hosts, Cotham Park’s frustrations boiled over, as they received a yellow card for a dangerous tip tackle.

Clifton responded quickly when winger Cal James intercepted a loose pass and sprinted 50 yards to score under the posts, bringing the score to 7-22.

Despite the try, Clifton struggled to execute those finishing touches. They continued to ask questions of the Cotham defence but just could not convert the chances that came their way.

A final try killer blow try from Cotham Park sealed their victory at 7-27.

Full Time: 7-27

Although Clifton’s defensive and set-piece performance showed improvement from the previous week, the frustration was evident as they failed to capitalise on several promising opportunities.

Nevertheless, the pack’s performance, especially at scrum time, was a highlight, with captain Pete Anderson leading by example. His work at the breakdown and powerful ball-carrying earned him the Thatcher’s Man of the Match award.

Looking ahead, Clifton will take a well-earned rest next Saturday before facing local rivals BAC in the eagerly anticipated Battle of Filton.

Tries:
C James

Cons:
W Lang

Photographs by Ian Clark