Clifton left the North West with a chastening scoreline after Sale FC produced a ruthless second-half display to run out 57–0 winners at the CorpAcq Stadium.

Coming into the fixture, memories were still fresh of October’s closely fought contest at Station Road, where Sale edged a 24–17 win. On that evidence, and with Clifton keen to build on recent performances, there was genuine hope that this return fixture might follow a similarly tight pattern.

For long spells in the opening half, that expectation did not feel misplaced. Clifton began with energy and ambition, applying pressure through attacking lineouts and spending extended periods in Sale territory. The Lavender and Black defended stoutly, turned ball over well, and looked composed in possession, but early chances went unconverted.

Sale’s opening try came against the run of play, punishing broken field possession, and while Clifton continued to probe, the hosts gradually began to assert their individual quality. Two further scores before the break – including one right on half time – opened up a 17–0 lead that felt harsh given the balance of play and effort.

The second half, however, told a very different story. Sale emerged with increased tempo and precision, stretching the game wide and exploiting small lapses with clinical efficiency. A bonus-point try shortly after the restart swung momentum decisively, and from there the home side rarely loosened their grip.

Clifton continued to compete throughout, with moments of attacking intent and a notable long-range break from Freddie Myatt offering brief encouragement, but Sale’s pace and execution repeatedly turned pressure into points. Five second-half tries saw the scoreline grow rapidly, making for uncomfortable viewing in the closing stages.

While the final margin was stark, it should not entirely overshadow a first half in which Clifton showed organisation, resilience, and the ability to trouble one of the league’s promotion contenders. The lesson, once again, was a familiar one at this level: chances must be taken when they come, particularly away from home.

Attention now turns quickly to a return to Station Road next weekend, where Clifton welcome Leeds Tykes. With home form proving pivotal this season and the league table tightly packed, the fixture offers an immediate opportunity for response. Expect a determined performance, renewed focus, and a side keen to put right what slipped away in the North West.

The Wanderers fixture was cancelled by the opposition due to a flooded pitch.

MISFITS 34–17 BISHOPSTON

After an epic win last week against second placed Yate it was seventh met eighth this time around at the Lockleaze Sports Centre, as the Misfits made the short trip to face a Bishopston side who, like their visitors, had begun 2026 in fine form. Despite conditions that limited the amount of rugby on show this weekend, the contest still delivered plenty of incident and entertainment.

Head coach Mark Nichols handed club debuts to forward Adam Southern and backs Ryley Murtagh and Lewis Wakefield, while fellow Colt Isaac Simmonds was named on the bench alongside Ronnie Bucknell. There was also a welcome return to the front row for hooker Jack Kember.

The Misfits made a dream start. Straight from the kick-off, a slick move released centre Will Joyce, who sliced through and sprinted 70 metres to score inside the opening minute.

Undetered, Bishopston responded with a sustained period of pressure, pinning the visitors deep in their own 22. Their persistence paid off at the end of the first quarter when they powered over to level the scores at 5–5.

Parity lasted only three minutes. Impressive offloading and close support play put the hosts on the back foot before No.8 Josh Hays crashed over. Captain Harry Delaney added the extras. Moments later, the Lavender and Blacks struck again; sharp handling across the back line sent full-back Jake Wakeling over in the corner to extend the advantage.

The visitors were in full flow by the half-hour. Hays claimed his second try, picking the blindside from close range after a period of pressure, with Delaney converting to make it 24–5 at the break.

The second half began as emphatically as the first. Within a minute of the restart, Delaney finished off a sweeping 50-metre move to push the lead to 29–5.

However, discipline at the breakdown began to trouble the Misfits. A final warning from the referee soon resulted in two yellow cards in quick succession. Debutant winger Murtagh was penalised for not rolling away shortly after entering the field, and flanker Ravi Gedara was then sin-binned for deliberately knocking the ball on at the ruck. Reduced to 13 men for almost ten minutes, the visitors invited pressure.

Bishopston took their chance. A well-executed scrum move brought a converted try on 63 minutes, and with momentum swinging, a kick-through led to another score on 74 minutes, the grounding awarded by the narrowest of margins. At 29–17, the hosts had given themselves hope.

With a full complement restored, the Misfits reasserted control. Driving Bishopston back into their 22, they laid siege to the line, and it was debutant Colt winger Isaac Simmonds who sealed the victory, diving over from close range after a series of rucks.

As is often the case between these sides, it was an absorbing encounter featuring momentum swings and no shortage of commitment. Bishopston were brave and resilient, but the Misfits’ clinical spells proved decisive.

Standout performances came from Gedara, centre Joe Glynn, and debutant lock Adam Southern, while the Thatcher’s Cider Man of the Match award went to the rampaging Hays after his brace — his first for the club since joining in September.

The 34–17 bonus-point victory makes it three wins from three and a maximum 15 points since the New Year. The Misfits travel to face old rivals St Brendan’s at the Portway Centre next week.

Tries: Joyce, Hays (2), Wakeling, Delaney, Simmonds

Conversions: Delaney (2)

Photographs by Ian Clark