LUCTONIANS 31 - 19 CLIFTON 1st XV

The afternoon began brightly for Clifton in the first minute of play when the ever-alert Zak Hamid seized the opportunity to glide over the line. An afternoon of mixed fortunes was to follow, when immediately after the try full back Christian Packer was forced off the field with an injury.

Luctonians have been denied promotion in recent seasons by both Clifton and Camborne. It was clear that their intention to avenge and overcome those setbacks was reflected in their play which was determined, fiery and attritional resulting in them picking up five yellow cards.

A converted try soon put them ahead after Clifton allowed them to set up an attacking position. Proving strong in the tight exchanges they gained benefit from a handling error to kick ahead for Bryn Goodall to score the first try, of what was to be a hat trick.

Clifton missed some chances until a strong response saw Freddie Myatt cross with Tom Quinlan converting to bring the scores level at 12 -12. A defensive lapse granted Lucs a try to put them back in the lead. However, with half time approaching, the irrepressible Brad Talbot took full advantage to storm over with Quinlan again converting to bring the scores level at the interval.

In the second period, despite an early strike by the Herefordshire team, Clifton showed great resilience and held territory in their opponent’s half for some thirty minutes in a stop start game with tension mounting. To the fore in Clifton’s efforts was Clifton Sausage Man of the Match flanker Niall Gibbons. Unfortunately, territorial advantage did not provide the breaks needed to take control.

A fortunate interception by the hosts against the run of play gave them an opportunity to run in for the final score which gave them a flattering victory margin.

Clifton will take many positives from this encounter and perhaps reflect on some errors which gave Luctonians opportunities.

Roger Opie

MISTFITS 56 - 26 ST BRENDAN'S OLD BOYS

Clifton Misfits opened their Counties 4 Gloucestershire South campaign with an emphatic 56-26 bonus-point victory over St Brendan's Old Boys in another dramatic Battle of Henbury.

With Coach Mark Nichols naming four league debutants - Ethan White, Ethan Tyres, Jake Edwards and Zaaf Ahmed - the Lavender and Blacks made a confident start. Christiaan Barnard opened the scoring after just four minutes, bulldozing over from close range following a tapped penalty, with Lewis Wakefield converting.

St Brendan's responded quickly through a well-worked line-out drive, levelling the scores at 7-7. However, Clifton's pace and precision soon began to tell. Ian Bentall produced a superb finish from first-phase ball before Jack Perrins crossed twice, both tries coming after slick handling from the Misfits' back line.

Captain Harry Heskin secured the try bonus point shortly before half-time, sliding through several tackles to score Clifton's fifth. Will Joyce added three conversions after taking over the kicking duties, sending the visitors into the interval with a commanding 35-7 lead.

St Brendan's refused to lie down and scored the opening try of the second half, but Clifton quickly regained control. Heskin added his second try in the 55th minute before Isaac Simmonds stepped his way through the defence two minutes later.

The hosts responded with a converted try, but Simmonds crossed again on 63 minutes to complete his brace and take the score to 56-19. St Brendan's had the final say with another converted try in the closing stages, earning a deserved try bonus for their persistence.

St Brendan’s determination ensured the contest remained physical throughout, but they could not contain the Lavender and Blacks' pace out wide. With eight tries, a bonus point and several impressive league debuts, it was a strong opening statement from the Misfits.

There were stand out performances from this new look Clifton side. However, for his energy in attack and defence, capped off with two superb self-made tries the Thatchers’ Man of the Match went to winger Isaac Simmonds.

Clifton return to the road next weekend when they face Old Bristolians 2nd XV.

Tries:
Barnard
Bentall
Perrins (2)
Heskin (2)
Simmonds (2)

Cons:
Wakefield (2)
Joyce (6)

WANDERERS 33 - 24 CINDERFORD

Clifton Wanderers kicked off the season with a hard-fought 33–24 victory over Cinderford 2s.

Clifton started slowly, conceding a try inside the opening five minutes. However, the Clifton pack soon began to dominate at set piece, while Delaney at 10 started to direct attacking play.

Tries from Koroibanuve, Head, Grundy and Thomas put Clifton firmly in control at 26–5.

Clifton were then dealt a blow when Delaney was forced from the field with a shoulder injury, resulting in a reshuffle in the backline.

Cinderford responded before half-time, reducing the deficit to 26–12 at the break.

The second half was a very different story, with Cinderford dominating possession and territory. Clifton lost some of their structure and allowed Cinderford back into the game, with the visitors scoring 12 unanswered points to make it 26–24 with just 10 minutes remaining.

Cinderford then had the opportunity to take the lead with a penalty from around 30 metres, but the kick was missed. That gave Clifton renewed impetus, and they finished the game strongly.

A final try from Player of the Match Jacob Head sealed a 33–24 victory and a five-point win to get the season off to a winning start.

A great result, but plenty for Clifton to work on as the season progresses.

Try’s;
Head x2
Koroibanuve
Thomas
Grundy

Conversions;
Delaney x3
Gardiner

Photographs by Ian Clark