Clifton produced a performance of pure heart and determination to edge Leicester Lions 29–26 in a pulsating National League 1 encounter that went right to the wire.

From the opening minute, the intent was clear, Mitch Spencer drilled a superb kick to touch, Clifton stole the ensuing line-out, and within moments Ricky Cano had powered over for the first try. Leicester replied through Ben Park, and though the hosts briefly led, Tom Anderson’s well-drilled maul try restored the advantage. The half swung wildly, with Theo Mannion and Bronson Mellowes crossing for the Lions before Jay Evans finished a sweeping move just before the break. Tom Quinlan’s conversion narrowed it to 19–17 at half-time.

Leicester struck again early in the second half through Jake Sterland, but Clifton refused to fold. The pack turned the screw; Anderson rumbled over for his second, setting up a grandstand finish. With fifteen minutes to play, Will Owen sliced through the midfield to score the decisive try, and Quinlan’s conversion put Clifton ahead 29–26.

The closing stages were frantic, Clifton reduced to 14 men three times with yellows for Matt Smith, Harry Johnson and Quinlan himself, yet their defence held firm. Every tackle, every carry, every clearance was roared on by the travelling faithful.

When the final whistle blew, relief and pride washed over the Lavender & Black ranks. Five tries, fierce discipline under fire, and a priceless away win that lifts Clifton to 14 league points and belief renewed.

Clifton Sausage Man of the Match: George Perry, relentless at scrum time and immense in contact.

WANDERERS 52 - 14 TAUNTON II

Clifton Wanderers stormed to an emphatic 52-14 victory away to Taunton II, producing a blistering first-half performance that showcased their attacking variety and clinical edge. The result was built on sharp execution, dominant forward play, and a backline full of confidence and pace.

The tone was set within two minutes as George Davey finished off a line break from deep. Ollie Millner converted, and the Wanderers were off to a flying start. Four minutes later, Will Joyce jinked his way through the defence to double the lead after a beautifully worked move through the backs.

Davey soon grabbed his second, rumbling over from a well-organised lineout maul, before Tom Hargan showed his pace and awareness to finish another long-range break for 28-0. The onslaught continued as Harry Leigh raced down the outside to dot down the fifth try on 30 minutes, Millner maintaining his perfect record from the tee to make it 35-0 at half-time.

After the break, Fin Fielder added his name to the scoresheet, finishing a lovely passage that saw Joyce burst through a seam from the lineout and offload for the scrum-half to score under the posts. Taunton finally responded with a converted try midway through the half, but the Wanderers quickly reasserted control as Davey completed his hat-trick from yet another dominant maul.

Millner then capped his commanding display with a well-taken solo try to push the score to 52-7. A late Taunton effort closed the afternoon’s scoring, but by then the result was long settled.

It was a complete team performance from the Wanderers - the pack provided a solid platform, the set-piece was dominant, and the backs were ruthless in open play.

Tries: Davey (3), Joyce, Hargan, Leigh, Fielder, Millner
Conversions: Millner (7/7)
Thatchers' Player of the Match: Jacob Head – dominant display both sides of the ball.

MISFITS 41 – 5 DINGS CRUSADERS WARRIORS

Clifton Misfits produced a commanding performance to claim a resounding 41–5 derby victory over local rivals Dings Crusaders Warriors, delivering a statement win in front of a vocal home crowd at Station Road.

The fixture, a long-standing Bristol derby, carried extra weight with Dings sitting just one point behind Clifton in the league standings. The hosts, looking to avenge last season’s double defeat, welcomed back several key players, including stalwarts Graham Hardy and Will Pomphrey in the back row, prop Clem Stokes, fly-half Jake Wakeling, and debutant winger Dan Perry.

Clifton set the tone from the outset, playing with tempo and precision. Their pressure told within ten minutes as Adam Walters finished off a sweeping move out wide to open the scoring.

Walters soon doubled his tally, touching down after a series of incisive line breaks from the Misfits’ backline, with Wakeling adding the extras to extend the lead.

Moments later, captain Michael Wyatt finished a superbly constructed phase of attacking play, again converted by Wakeling, giving the hosts a commanding 19–0 advantage after just 25 minutes.

Dings managed to respond before the interval with a close-range try following rare territory in Clifton’s half, but the Misfits maintained control heading into the break 19–5 ahead, having spurned several further opportunities to score.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Dings’ discipline beginning to unravel.

After repeated infringements, the visitors saw yellow on 45 minutes, and Clifton made them pay almost immediately as flanker Jacob Jenkins powered over to make it 24–5.

The Misfits were briefly reduced to 14 when hooker Lochy Emery was shown a yellow card, but Dings failed to capitalise and were themselves down a man again shortly after for persistent infringement.

With the momentum firmly back in Clifton’s favour, centre Ollie Spragg sliced through the defence for the fifth try, converted by Wakeling.

The hosts, now in full control, continued to press their advantage. No.8 Will Pomphrey bulldozed his way over after a clever line-out move, showcasing the power that Dings simply couldn’t contain.

A late red card for the visitors added to their misery before second row Dylan Webb capped off the performance, pouncing on a loose ball at the try line to seal the 41–5 victory.

This was a pleasing statement win from the Lavender & Blacks, a complete team display that combined structure, aggression, and attacking flair.

Among many standout performances, Jacob Jenkins was relentless at the breakdown, Adam Walters electric on the wing, and Will Pomphrey a constant menace in attack. However, Thatchers Cider Man of the Match went to fly-half Jake Wakeling, whose metronomic composure, tactical kicking, and game management were instrumental throughout.

Next up, the Misfits host Bristol Barbarians on Saturday 22nd November.

Tries: Walters (2), Wyatt, Jenkins, Spragg, Pomphrey, Webb

Cons: Wakeling (3)