Perfect playing conditions created the platform for a pulsating game, with the home team recording their fourth win of the season and proving their superiority when it mattered.

With the scores at 24-24 as the game was heading into its final quarter, the points were there for either side. It was, however, a burst of three Clifton tries in ten minutes which seemed to determine the outcome. However, student resistance with the clock running down saw them cross the line and narrow the margin to one score. Clifton held on for the victory which their superior second half performance had created.

Their energetic opponents more than played their part in the afternoon’s excitement. With their tenacious captain, Jack Marshall, leading by example in scoring two tries and winger Jeke Bulanauca proving a constant attacking threat, they were very much in contention...

Brad Talbot, Clifton Sausage Man of the Match, stood out in defence and attack with two tries of his own. One came from a thirty-metre powerful run to the line, shrugging off opponents on his way.

First strike in proceedings went to the students with flanker Matthew Branch-Holland going over from a catch-and-drive. Talbot’s first try after some fast handling was converted by Tom Quinlan, whose defensive tackling was impressive. Bulanauca then put the visitors ahead before winger Ollie Harris ran a fine line to cut through the defence.

The two Marshall tries converted by Felix Champain gave them an advantage, but it was only to burst Clifton into action with the deciding moments. Number eight Harry Hone forced his way over, with flanker Jack Gundry gaining a further touch down.

Almost immediately captain Tom Anderson was at the end of a catch-and-drive. Unfortunately, an injury was to lead to him leaving the action. Two Quinlan conversions added to the gap.

With time short, a further Branch-Holland try and Champain conversion created a little tension before time was called and the Clifton fans were to celebrate their team’s return to winning ways against a team full of running until the end.

Clifton will take stock of some strong defensive play when required and their ability to turn pressure into points when needed.

Roger Opie

MISFITS 80 - 7 OLD BRISTOLIANS

Fresh from their historic victory away at St Brendan’s last weekend, Clifton Misfits travelled to the War Memorial Ground looking to build momentum against an Old Bristolians side that has traditionally proved difficult opposition on home soil.

Coach Mark Nichols handed a number of players their Misfits debuts, with New Zealander Ged Roessink and Marcel Majerazack starting in the back row, while scrum-half Archie Millier, full-back Lewis Ingram and centre Wilf Witham all made their first appearances for the side.

Despite only being able to field 13 players at kick-off, Old Bristolians were determined to fulfil the fixture and avoid a walkover. To their credit, the hosts showed tremendous resilience in the opening exchanges and initially frustrated a Clifton side eager to impose themselves. However, once the visitors found their rhythm, the contest quickly swung in their favour.

The scoring started after just five minutes when winger Sam Thomas crossed for the first of his three tries, with Will Joyce converting. Two minutes later Jake Edwards powered over before debutant Lewis Ingram opened his account on nine minutes. Joyce maintained a flawless record from the tee as Clifton raced into a commanding lead.

The Clifton forwards were dominant throughout, providing a constant stream of possession. Debutant Ged Roessink announced himself in style with a well-taken try before fellow newcomer Archie Millier joined the scoresheet. Ingram added his second before Thomas grabbed two further tries to complete an impressive first-half hat-trick.

Old Bristolians showed admirable spirit and were rewarded when they intercepted a loose Clifton pass to score their only try of the afternoon. However, Roessink's second score before the break ensured the Misfits went into half-time with a commanding 63-7 advantage.

With the result effectively settled, Clifton demonstrated excellent sportsmanship after the interval by loaning several players to the hosts to ensure the second half could continue as a competitive contest.

Even with personnel shuffled around, the Misfits remained in control. Lewis Ingram continued his outstanding debut by crossing twice more to complete a four-try haul, showcasing his pace, support lines and finishing ability. Jake Edwards then rounded off the scoring with his second try of the match, converted by Archie Millier, to bring up an impressive 80 points for the visitors.

Full-Time: Old Bristolians 2nd XV 7-80 Clifton Misfits

There were outstanding performances across the park. Roessink impressed with his relentless defensive work rate and effectiveness at the breakdown, while Thomas's hat-trick highlighted a clinical afternoon on the wing. Fly-half Will Joyce was equally influential, producing a superb display from the kicking tee and maintaining outstanding accuracy throughout the first half.

Thatchers Cider Man of the Match went to Lewis Ingram, whose four-try debut performance, combined with several key assists, capped a memorable afternoon for the Misfits.

The victory completed another excellent afternoon for Clifton, who combined ruthless attacking rugby with admirable sportsmanship. Having now taken the maximum 10 points from a possible 10 in their opening two league fixtures, the Misfits move to the top of the Counties 4 Gloucester South table. With experienced players performing strongly and a number of debutants making an immediate impact, confidence is growing rapidly within the squad as they look to build on an outstanding start to the season.

Next week the Misfits are back on the road for the third time as they travel to Bedminster to face old foes Broad Plain.

Try Scorers:
Lewis Ingram (4)
Sam Thomas (3)
Ged Roessink (2)
Jake Edwards (2)
Archie Millier (1)

Conversions:
Will Joyce (9)
Archie Millier (1)

WANDERERS 61 - 5 WELLINGTON

Clifton Wanderers produced a strong performance against a spirited Wellington side, with a combination of powerful running, good field position and some excellent attacking rugby.

First Half:

The opening stages were scrappy, with both sides making a number of basic errors.

Clifton then started to gain the advantage, with strong running from skipper Sloan helping to establish good field position.

Clifton opened the scoring after 20 minutes through Whittaker, before Sloan and Millner combined to extend the lead to 12–0.

Wellington responded with a try to make it 12–5, but Clifton quickly regained control. Gaskell, Main and Rayner crossed for try’s with Millner adding the extras.

Clifton then received a yellow card, with Thomas taking a rest on the sidelines. The team responded well, with an excellent counter-attack from the Clifton backs creating further field position.

Clifton went into half-time leading 33-5.

Second Half:

Clifton started the second half strongly and continued to apply pressure. Changes were made, with Poppy and Brown coming into the engine room and Koroibanuve moving into the backs.

Clifton continued to dominate, resulting in a penalty try. Harry Leigh then scored a length-of-the-field try, converted by Millner.

The pressure continued, with Harry Leigh and Millner combining again for another score.

Billy Gardner and Millner then added the final try and conversion of the afternoon, bringing the final score to 61–5.

A strong all-round performance from Clifton securing a convincing 5-point victory.

Tries:
Whittaker
Sloan
Gaskell
Main
Rayner
Leigh x2
Gardner
Penalty

Conversions:
Millner x 7

Photographs by Ian Clark

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