With the game heading into its final quarter the Rams conceded a penalty for offside in front of their own posts, allowing James McKinney to kick the three points to place Clifton in the lead for the first time in the game.

The game had flipped on its head as this score followed a try from joint Clifton Sausage Man of the Match Harry Johnson, who had stormed through the defence from short range to touch down with McKinney converting. The silenced home crowd had seen a solid lead reduced to the narrowest of margins with Clifton now hopeful of powering on to victory, with Johnson constantly getting over the gain line.

However, a further twist saw the hosts run in three converted tries in the final stages to take maximum points from the encounter. Rams handled well throughout with a mobile athletic pack demonstrating fine catch and drive moves.

This was a more positive Clifton performance than of late, especially in the back line with debutant full back Steffan Gibson looking comfortable under the high ball and contributing an excellent fifty metre touchline run. Fellow debutant Christian Packer also played well. The return of Harry Hone, joint Clifton Sausage Man of the Match, from injury bolstered the pack. McKinney showed sound game management with mixed plays.

Three early tries from the Reading men were countered by an Ollie Stirling try converted by McKinney - who also landed a penalty.

A further score brought Clifton to life when a remarkable kick from flanker Stirling gave Clifton a lineout five metres from the try line. Resulting possession with the ball being spread wide sent wing Zak Hamid speeding into the corner. The Johnson try and McKinney conversion made it a one-point game to Clifton’s advantage.

The home team rallied in the final period of the afternoon, with some clinical play showing how lethal their attacks could be when territory was gained inside the Clifton 22. Max Hayman completed a hat trick, and their final score came with the final action of the game. The result did flatter the Rams a little and did not fully reflect the mid game efforts by the lavender and blacks.

Clifton will have restored some confidence with fine play by individuals and the team rallying together. Further consolation came in that other results in the league did little to change their standing.

Roger Opie

WANDERERS 19 - 15 OLD BRISTOLIANS

A bruising, tight encounter at Station Road saw Clifton grind out a deserved 19–15 win over Old Bristolians, built on defensive resolve and some clinical moments when opportunities appeared.

The visitors struck first, nudging ahead with an early penalty on 13 minutes to lead 0–5 and briefly quieten the home support. Clifton responded by tightening things up through the middle, with Josh Hays setting the tone with a string of heavy tackles and Connor Thomas repeatedly punching holes with direct, abrasive carries.

The breakthrough came on 22 minutes. A Conor Sloan charge down, led to a loose ball bouncing kindly for Conor to score. The conversion from Harry Delaney sailed over and Clifton moved in front 7–5.

Confidence growing, the home side began to move the ball with more ambition. On the half-hour a slick backs move, sparked by a sharp midfield incision from Sam Thomas, released Will Abel to finish. The extras were added by Delaney and Clifton had daylight at 14–5.

After the break, Clifton extended their advantage when Harry Leigh finished well in the corner on 42 minutes, pushing the lead to 19–5.

Old Bristolians refused to fade. They capitalised on pressure to cross on 51 minutes and again on 68, setting up a tense finale as the scoreboard tightened to 19–15. But Clifton’s defence – typified all afternoon by Hays’ uncompromising hits and Thomas’ tireless work in traffic held firm to see out the win.

Man of the Match: Josh Hays for outstanding work rate in defence, and Connor Thomas for continuous ball carrying.

MISFITS 71 – 0 ARETIANS

The Misfits continued their outstanding start to 2026 with a resounding 71–0 victory over old rivals Aretians at Station Road, stretching their, record breaking, unbeaten run since the New Year to five matches — all against Combination 1st XV opposition.

Having not met for over two years, the sides renewed acquaintances in what proved to be a one-sided affair.

Clifton’s Head Coach, Mark Nichols was once again forced into changes, calling upon several 2nd XV players. There were debuts in the pack for Colts Logan McLelland and Alfie Hobson, while new signing Harry Heskin was handed the No.13 shirt. Experienced campaigners Greg Kirkwood and Darryl Cross returned to the matchday squad, Captain Michael Wyatt deputised at scrum-half, and Lewis Wakefield was entrusted with his first start at fly-half.

The hosts wasted little time asserting themselves. Inside three minutes slick handling across the backs released Heskin for his first try in Clifton colours, with Wakefield calmly slotting the conversion for a 7–0 lead.

Heskin doubled his tally on 11 minutes after the Clifton backs executed a well-worked move, and by the 17-minute mark the debutant centre had completed a superb hat-trick, finishing off another flowing multi-phase attack.

The forwards soon joined the party. On 27 minutes flanker Ian Bentall broke loose to power over, converted by Wakefield. Two minutes later winger Jason Grinstead danced through from 70 yards in a dazzling solo effort. Moments after, Wyatt — operating out of position at scrum-half — added his name to the scoresheet following sharp support play.

Before the interval young centre Korey Kislingbury crossed as Aretians struggled to contain the relentless Lavender & Blacks. Wakefield’s reliable boot ensured Clifton headed into the break with a commanding 45–0 advantage.

Clifton’s intensity did not drop after the restart. Wyatt darted over for his second try on 51 minutes, and Colts winger Isaac Simmonds showcased blistering pace with a 60-yard finish shortly after.

Wyatt soon secured his hat-trick on off the back of a rare but effective Clifton driving maul, underlining his influence across the park. Simmonds added his second long-range effort taking the Misfits past the 70-point mark.

With the result beyond doubt — and the beer in the clubhouse reportedly warming — both captains and the referee agreed to bring proceedings to an early conclusion.

Final Score: Misfits 71 – 0 Aretians

A comprehensive bonus-point victory and another statement performance from the Lavender & Blacks.

There were exceptional displays throughout a dominant Clifton performance, despite Aretians’ brave attempts to stem the tide.

Harry Heskin’s debut hat-trick highlighted his attacking promise, while Gedara and Bentall impressed once again in the back row with tireless work rates. Wakefield produced a composed first start at fly-half, guiding play intelligently and finishing with an impressive eight conversions.

The inclusion of four Colts will particularly please the coaching staff, reflecting the strength and depth building within the club.

Thatchers Man of the Match deservedly went to Captain Michael Wyatt for his clinical hat-trick and central involvement in nearly all of Clifton’s attacking play.

The Misfits now enjoy a well-earned rest week before travelling to face Dings 3s in the second instalment of ‘Derby Day’, carrying considerable momentum into the fixture.

Tries:
Heskin (3), Wyatt (3), Simmonds (2), Grinstead, Bentall, Kislingbury

Conversions:
Wakefield (8)

Photographs by Ian Clark