Having endured a strong onslaught from their hosts, Clifton’s remarkable depth of character and excellent bonding within the ranks saw them mount a truly impressive resurgence. During a period of play the boys even led the scoring rate and bagged an impressive try bonus point.

While next season will tick off in National League Two West it is a healthy testament to all at the club that so many of the squad will remain, with strength in depth from the Wanderers and Misfits teams who have enjoyed winning runs.

Finding themselves nineteen points in arrears, recent acquisition lock Jack Bennett burst through the defence to touch down under the posts with the immaculate boot of Tom Quinlan adding the first of four successful conversions.

Although Blackheath’s scoring continued Harry Hone and Will Owen, on his final outing in lavender and black after his outstanding contribution to the club, were not to be suppressed and caused threats and others created chances.

One of the Blackheath scorers was their irrepressible hooker Billy Harding who snaffled his 47th try of the season with a try count well above any other player, whatever their position, in all the national leagues.

The Londoners showed signs of fatigue as the game was now being played in midfield. A weaving run by Quinlan caught them by surprise, and as he was stopped short of the line it was Bennett on his shoulder who took the try. As the opposition tired Feddie Myatt barged over from a tap and go and the bonus point was in sight.

A true born and bred Clifton man Zak Hamid was on hand to find his speed, taking him to the corner for the bonus try, with Blackheath closing the game out with a try. After the Clifton revival this score seemed like a consolation for the worthy winners!

Roger Opie

WANDERERS 55 - 33 MIDSOMMER NORTON

Clifton II delivered a statement performance in their clash with Midsomer Norton, running out emphatic 55–33 winners in a high-scoring encounter between 3rd and 4th in the table.

Played under bright sunshine, the conditions set the stage for an open, attacking game—and both sides embraced it from the outset. With ball in hand, Clifton proved particularly dangerous, combining fluid backline play with a dominant forward platform to outscore their visitors in an entertaining contest where defence often took a back seat.

Clifton’s attacking intent paid dividends early and continued throughout the match, with tries coming from across the team. Sam Thomas crossed twice, while Jacob Head added another. The standout performance came from Issac Simmonds, who marked his debut for the 2nd XV in spectacular fashion with a hat-trick. Joe Glynne, Harry Delaney, and Archie Millier also got on the scoresheet, reflecting Clifton’s depth and willingness to move the ball.

Up front, Ben Ling played a crucial role in setting the tone. His work in the loose and at scrum time consistently gave Clifton the upper hand, providing the solid platform needed for their backs to flourish. His influence, alongside Simmonds’ clinical finishing, earned the pair joint Man of the Match honours.

Midsomer Norton, sitting just above Clifton in the table prior to kick-off, contributed to the spectacle with their own attacking efforts, but ultimately couldn’t match Clifton’s firepower on the day.

In a game defined by running rugby and attacking ambition, Clifton II’s clinical edge and forward dominance proved decisive, securing a well-earned 55–33 victory and tightening the race in the league standings.

MISFITS 50 - 46 FRAMPTON COTTERELL II 2nds

Misfits fire in final day thriller

Misfits produced a superb performance to edge newly crowned league champions Frampton Cotterell 2nds in a pulsating 50–46 encounter at Station Road, signing off their season in style with a try bonus victory.

With the league standings already settled, there had been some suggestion beforehand that this might prove a low-intensity affair. Instead, those in attendance were treated to a breathless, end-to-end contest packed with attacking intent, defensive lapses, and late drama.

Misfits Head Coach Mark Nichols was forced into significant changes, naming just six players from the previous week’s fixture due to injuries and call-ups. Fan favourite winger Adam Walters was handed his 50th club cap.

Early on, it was the visitors who capitalised on a sluggish start from the hosts. Frampton struck twice in quick succession, scoring out wide on both flanks to establish a 10–0 lead inside nine minutes.

The home side gradually found their rhythm, and their response was emphatic. Prop Will Ayliffe powered over from close range to open the scoring for Misfits, with Lewis Wakefield converting. Moments later, former Frampton player Corey Kislingbury crashed through the defensive line to score under the posts, again converted by Wakefield, giving Misfits a 14–10 lead.

The momentum swung repeatedly throughout the first half. Frampton regained the advantage following a lapse in concentration from the hosts, before Misfits responded through Will Law, who finished off a flowing team move. Another exchange of tries followed, with full-back Dan Perry completing a fine attacking sequence for Misfits. However, Frampton had the final say of the half, crossing again to take a slender 29–28 lead into the break.

The second half continued in the same frenetic fashion. Winger Ollie Whattam crossed early after the restart to put Misfits back in front, before Perry added his second of the afternoon with a well-taken individual effort. A yellow card for Frampton soon followed, and Misfits took full advantage, Whattam grabbing his second try, converted by Wakefield, to stretch the lead to 47–29.

Despite their advantage, Misfits were far from comfortable. A yellow card for lock Alfie Hobson shifted momentum firmly in Frampton’s favour, and the champions mounted a determined comeback. Three tries in the final quarter brought them within four points at 50–46, setting up a tense finale.

However, as they had done the previous week, Misfits demonstrated composure and maturity in the closing stages, managing possession effectively to see out the match and secure an impressive victory.

Final Score: Misfits 50 – 46 Frampton Cotterell 2nds
The result capped an excellent afternoon for the hosts, who have now defeated all three of the league’s top sides since Christmas. Individual performances were strong across the board, with Alex Rumley excelling at number eight and the half-back pairing of Wakefield and Heskin controlling proceedings effectively. Braces from both Perry and Whattam underlined the attacking depth within the squad.

The final Thatcher’s Cider Man of the Match award of the season was deservedly awarded to Will Ayliffe, whose powerful ball carrying consistently challenged the Frampton defence.

The victory concludes a highly successful campaign for Misfits, who finish in the top four having amassed 810 points, a points difference of +359, and 17 try bonus points from a possible 22.

Management extended their thanks to all players and staff for their contributions throughout the season.

Tries: Ayliffe, Kislingbury, Law, Perry (2), Whattam (2)
Conversions: Wakefield (6)
Penalties: Wakefield

Photographs by Ian Clark