Clifton’s long trek to the most northern located club in the league was rewarded with two bonus points, in a display which showed commitment and the resolve to contest matters until the final whistle.

Although the Yorkshire men edged the result in a tight finish it was Clifton who won the try count by four tries to three. The players will feel some frustration at the close result, however the critical points gained have moved them into a mid table position just ahead of local rivals Dings Crusaders.

At half time the scores were level at one converted try each, and towards the hour mark Clifton had taken a two-point advantage. It was soon a one point game with the lavender and blacks creating the pressure, but somehow the Tykes gained possession and were able to weave their way down field to score.

Clifton were by no means finished and as a result of sheer tenacity came back strongly for prop Ricky Cano to touch down and create a tense few final minutes.

At the start of the afternoon Leeds crossed first after a few phases. Clifton defended well when required with both sets of backs demonstrating speed. Flanker Brad Talbot was again in great form, and from a lineout steal the ball found its way to winger Tom Hargan who sped over with Tom Quinlan adding the extras.

After the interval Leeds struck first, but from the re-start winger and Man of the Match Ollie Harris chased a kick ahead with no intention of giving up, bringing the scores level with Quinlan’s conversion.

Replacement lock Dan Owen, younger brother of former Clifton and now Bears player Joe, took a clean catch at a lineout to set up a drive with hooker George Davey touching down.

A Leeds penalty was added to by their breakaway try. The Clifton spirit did not waver, with the Cano try setting up a pulsating final period.

Roger Opie

Wanderers 55 – 17 Bridgwater & Albion 1st XV

The Wanderers claimed their first win of the season with a dominant nine-try performance at Station Road.

Clifton Wanderers produced an assured display at home to secure a 55-17 victory over Bridgwater & Albion, their first win of the season. The result reflected a complete team performance, combining control up front with sharp execution across the backline.

Bridgwater opened the scoring early, but the Wanderers quickly found their rhythm and took charge of proceedings. The forwards provided a solid platform, allowing the backs to play with tempo and width.

Despite a yellow card midway through the first half, Clifton’s momentum never dipped, and they took a commanding 29-5 lead into the break. The second half continued in similar fashion, with the home side maintaining their structure and converting pressure into points.

Tries came from across the team, including Will Joyce, Charlie Bunce, Tom Hatch, Fin Fielder, Harry Leigh, Ciaran Leeson, and Harry Delaney. The defensive effort was equally strong, with the Wanderers controlling territory and tempo throughout.

Man of the Match: Will Joyce – influential both sides of the ball, setting the tone for a composed and confident team performance.

Misfits 78 – 42 Bishopston 1st XV

Clifton Misfits Outgun Bishopston in 12-Try Thriller at Station Road.

The Misfits delivered a commanding performance on Saturday as they ran in 12 tries to see off local rivals Bishopston in a high-octane contest at Station Road. In doing so, they maintained their 100% home record and leapfrogged their opponents into fifth place in the league.

With both sides locked in mid-table prior to kick-off, and Bishopston entering the fixture off the back of two wins, the stage was set for a fiercely competitive affair.
For the Lavender and Blacks, it was a particularly poignant afternoon, as they bid farewell to stalwart flanker Cal James, playing his final match before moving on to pastures new.

Despite fielding a much-changed side that included five debutants, the Misfits started brightly and never looked back.
Stand-in scrum-half Cian Lightburn capped an early period of pressure by diving over on 2 minutes, with returning fly-half Jake Wakeling adding the extras.

Bishopston quickly responded, levelling the scores almost immediately, but the Misfits struck back through debutant winger Oscar Turkington, who crossed out wide to mark his first appearance with a try.

The visitors again hit back to edge in front, but the hosts rallied, and it was Cal James who fittingly stormed over for a fairytale try in his final outing in Clifton colours.

Further first-half scores followed from centre Nat Parmenter and skipper Michael Wyatt, as Wakeling’s accurate boot ensured the hosts took a commanding 33–21 lead into the break.

The second half saw Clifton’s attacking flair truly ignite. Rampaging second row Sion Johnson powered through for a well-deserved try on 42 minutes, followed swiftly by scores from fan favourite Jason Grinstead and Wakeling himself, who finished the day with a remarkable 23-point personal haul.

Although Bishopston responded with two tries of their own, their ill discipline proved costly – two yellow cards in quick succession handed Clifton the momentum once more. No.8 Will Pomphrey marked his return with a 40-yard solo effort, and the back three continued to run riot, with Turkington, Grinstead and Wyatt each bagging a second try following clinical counter-attacking phases.

Even a late yellow card couldn’t dampen the Misfits’ day, though Bishopston did cross for a final consolation try to bring the curtain down on a breathless encounter.

The 78–42 final scoreline represents Clifton Misfits’ highest points tally in a single match for five years and underlines their growing confidence and cohesion, particularly in attack. The dynamic back three of Wyatt, Grinstead, and Turkington contributed six tries between them.

Thatchers’ Man of the Match honours went to second row Sion Johnson, whose tireless work both in defence and attack set the tone for a dominant team performance.

The club also paid tribute to Cal James, the most capped 3rd XV player last season and former Misfits Young Player of the Year, thanking him for his service over the past two years. He now begins a new chapter with St Bernadette’s RFC.

Next up for the Misfits is a short trip to Patchway to face Aretians – a fixture that hasn’t been contested in two seasons and promises to be another exciting clash.

Photographs by Ian Clark