With two points separating the teams at half time it was Blackheath’s consistency in the second period with astute tactical awareness, and perhaps strategic injury times out, which allowed them to achieve an ultimately deserved win over league newcomers Clifton.

Clifton opened brightly with a cross field move and a well weighted kick ahead allowing winger Zak Hamid to outstrip the defence and cross. James McKinney converted. Unfortunately in scoring the player, a major attacking force, sustained an injury and had to leave the pitch.

McKinney’s contribution throughout the game demonstrated his pedigree from time spent with Ulster, Ireland under 20s and Verona. Other new players also showed their experience and capability to play at National One level with centres, Clifton Sausage man of the match, Harry Johnson and Dylan Power constantly determining to make good ground in attack.

Resourceful winger Tom Hargan was tested under the high ball with confidence and always looking for attacking positions. Harry Hone at number 8 showed his determination and power on many occasions.

Matty Jones, a versatile talent, switched from full back to the wing with no problem.

The combination of such new talent with established Clifton players creates a blend to make coaches and supporters confident of more than holding their own this season.

A clean break set up visiting fly half Morley to touch down with full back Ed Dunford kicking the first of three conversions. There were early indications of Blackheath dominance in the tight exchanges and their pack spearheaded by number eight Finn Osborne was to prove a key factor.

Flanker Noah Sloot put the Londoners in the lead, but a McKinney penalty reduced the deficit.

Immediately after the restart a Dunford penalty extended the lead, and a Clifton yellow card created an advantage which speedy wing man Tom Emery took for his try.

A well executed catch and drive saw replacement Blackheath hooker Billy Harding go over to put pressure on Clifton and it was to be Harding to further complete his team’s scoring.

A period of lavender and black pressure did create the space for new recruit number 8 Harry Hone to storm over the line, but Blackheath were now in the safe zone.

A good test for Clifton against a team which finished in the top echelons of the league last season, but a strong performance to challenge teams to come as this squad becomes more cohesive.

Roger Opie

WANDERERS 33 - 60 MIDSOMER NORTON

The Clifton Wanderers kicked off their Counties 1 Western North campaign with a tough away trip to Midsomer Norton, and despite flashes of real quality from a new-look side, they came away on the wrong side of a 62–33 scoreline.

Midsomer Norton struck first with a penalty and an unconverted try, racing into an 8–0 lead inside ten minutes. But the response from the Wanderers was immediate and spirited. On debut, loosehead prop Louie Mayall powered over from short range to get the visitors on the board, with Tom Quinlan calmly slotting the extras. Minutes later, a well-executed lineout move saw the backs combine slickly to put fellow debutant Ciaran Leeson into space, and his try, again converted by Quinlan, gave Clifton a 14–8 advantage after 25 minutes.

Momentum briefly swung the way of the hosts, who reclaimed the lead before half time. The Wanderers’ task was made harder when substitute Armani Symonds saw yellow for infringing under the new breakdown law, and Midsomer Norton capitalised to stretch the score to 22–14 at the break.

The second half was frenetic, with both sides trading blows. Norton extended their lead, but the Wanderers again showed resilience. Symonds made amends by finishing off a maul drive, and Mayall bagged his second from close quarters, both converted by Quinlan, to pull the score back to 26–29 and put Clifton firmly back in the contest.

However, the heavy workload on the Wanderers’ pack began to tell. Injuries in the forwards and the earlier sin-binning had sapped energy, and Norton ruthlessly exploited the fatigue. A devastating spell of five unanswered tries pushed the game out of reach.

To their credit, the Wanderers refused to fold, and full-back Max McCarthy capped his debut with a length-of-the-field score late on, Quinlan again on target from the tee, bringing the final tally to 33–62.

Despite the scoreline, there were plenty of positives. Eight debutants pulled on the Wanderers jersey, with Quinlan steering play superbly and kicking immaculately from hand and tee to earn Man of the Match honours. Mayall’s brace and McCarthy’s solo effort provided further highlights, while captain Conor Sloan led from the front until injury forced him to the sidelines.

The Wanderers will take heart from their strong spells, particularly the fightback early in the second half, and will look to build on this performance as they prepare for Round 2.

Final Score:
Midsomer Norton 60 – 33 Wanderers

Wanderers Tries: Mayall (2), Leeson, Symonds, McCarthy
Conversions: Quinlan (4)

Man of the Match: Tom Quinlan – led from the front with some excellent game management and wasn't afraid to carry himself when needed.

TL;DR:
The Wanderers showed plenty of fight and promise in their season opener but injuries and fatigue saw Midsomer Norton pull away in the second half. Lots to build on for Round 2.

Frampton Cotterell 2nd XV 32 – 24 Misfits

A spirited late fightback saw Clifton Misfits claim a deserved try bonus point on the opening weekend of the new campaign, despite falling to a 32–24 defeat away at Frampton Cotterell 2nd XV.

Clifton arrived at The Park with a largely new-look squad featuring 11 debutants. Only back-rower Cal James and centre Nat Parmenter remained from the side that started Gameweek 1 of last season.

The match also marked a changing of the guard, with scrum-half Archie Bent leading the side for the first time as captain, following the midweek retirement of long-standing skipper Pete ‘Pablo’ Anderson due to a knee injury. All at the club extend their thanks and best wishes to Pete.

The home side made an assertive start, crossing the whitewash after just four minutes to take a 5–0 lead.
Clifton responded with a sustained period of pressure, culminating in a debut try for full-back Jake Wakeling on 13 minutes, converted by fly-half Harry Delaney to edge the visitors ahead 5–7.

Frampton regained the lead midway through the half with a second unconverted score, before a triple injury blow rocked the Misfits' forward pack. Prop Chris Barnard, No.8 Dylan Ormsby and flanker Arthur Haimes were all forced off within minutes of each other, disrupting Clifton's momentum.

The hosts capitalised ruthlessly, running in two more tries before the interval to take control at 22–7.
However, the Lavender and Blacks showed great resolve to respond just before the break, with Delaney dotting down to close the gap to 22–12 at half-time.

Frampton extended their advantage early in the second half with further tries on 44 and 58 minutes, moving the score to 32–12. But the Misfits refused to roll over.

A strong final quarter saw the visitors dominate territory and possession. Their persistence was rewarded on 78 minutes when second row Will Law, one of several impressive youngsters in the squad, powered over from close range. Delaney added the extras.

With the final play of the match, Delaney again crossed again to secure a valuable try bonus point, capping a brave and encouraging performance from the new-look Clifton side.

Hooker Jack Kember was named Thatchers Man of the Match on debut, impressing with his work rate and set-piece accuracy.

Clifton Misfits will look to build on this showing when they return home next weekend to host local rivals BAC in what promises to be a fierce edition of the annual ‘Battle for Filton’ at Station Road.

Tries: Wakeling, Delaney (2), Law
Cons: Delaney (2)

Photographs by Ian Clark