CLIFTON 1STXV 75 - 12 DEVONPORT SERVICES

The Lavender and Blacks had too much power and speed for their opponents, and on a firm pitch in the sunshine, and turned on the pressure as the game progressed. Their scrum was dominant and, on several occasions, propelled the Services back many metres.

The sheer pace of the back line, with a plentiful supply of good ball, ran amok at times to build the points total, which included thirteen tries and five conversions from fly half Tom Quinlan, who added two tries himself in the avalanche of points. The passing and handling across the team were both of a high standard. The front row of Ricky Cano, Clifton Sausage Man of the Match, hooker Ethan Allen and Jake Buckley, on his 50th appearance, shone in tight and loose play.

The coaching staff was particularly satisfied with the defence on the day. This was an aspect of play they had set as an improvement before the game and typified by denying Devonport tries when held up over the line.

First try came from lock Oscar Rees after several phases, and while Elliott Pocknell quickly equalised, this was the start of a procession of scores. Quinlan exploited gaps after quick handling for his brace of touchdowns before livewire scrum-half Max McCarthy was on the end of a catch-and-drive.

Centre Dylan Power added two tries for the second week running. The first came from a touchline run, shrugging off tackles, and the second later in proceedings from an interception.

Ricky Cano scored to further make his mark on the afternoon. Three tries followed quickly from three players called Harry. Centre Harry Tovey, a force all game, stormed through with most of the team then involved in putting Harry Johnson in. The third came from debutant winger Harry Leigh, who had impressed throughout the game.

Number 8 Niall Gibbons, contributing another fine performance, had too much strength to be stopped from going over. The final efforts came from further debutants Hayden Main and Michael Whittaker, who found the space to complete the scoring.

The spirited Devonians did score a second try through Callum Arnold converted by Billy Orchard, and to their credit did use what possession they had to keep the game open.

Unbeaten Redruth still top the league with 34 points, chased by Clifton, Hinckley, and Luctonians all on 30 points.

Roger Opie

WANDERERS 26 - 43 OLD BRISTOLIANS

A disappointing defeat for Clifton Wanderers against a spirited Old Bristolians side.

An early intercept try gave Old Bristolians the perfect start, but Clifton soon began to impose themselves through their forwards. A powerful run from Captain Conor Sloan got Clifton on the scoreboard with their first try, Ollie Millner converting to give Clifton a 7–5 lead.

Clifton’s forwards continued to gain dominance at set piece, but despite creating pressure, Clifton were unable to find the next score.

Old Bristolians then burst into life, operating at a high tempo and attacking with pace through both their backs and forwards. They raced into a 22–7 lead before Clifton managed to scramble their way back into the contest.

Well-taken tries from Chris Packer and Billy Gardner, with Millner converting one, reduced the deficit to just three points at half-time.

Half Time: Old Bristolians 22–19 Clifton Wanderers.

Clifton started the second half strongly, gaining good territory and controlling possession. The backs attacked well and found space on the left edge, sending the supporting Ollie Millner over for a converted try to put Clifton back in front at 26–22.

Clifton looked to be in control, but again missed opportunities allowed their opponents back into the game. Old Bristolians capitalised, turning defence into attack to score an excellent long-range try to take the lead.

The momentum had shifted firmly in favour of the hosts. Old Bristolians piled on the pressure and scored two further tries in the final five minutes to take the spoils.

Full Time: Old Bristolians 43–26 Clifton Wanderers

A tough loss for Clifton, particularly given that there were periods when they played some excellent attacking rugby. However, they will rue the missed opportunities.

There were plenty of positives to take from the performance, but Clifton will know they need to be more clinical when they take on Midsomer Norton at home next week.

Try’s :
Conor Sloan
Chris Packer
Billy Gardner
Ollie Millner

Conversions:
Millner x 3

Clifton Wanderers MoM - Rueben Brown. High work rate from the Loose Head Prop.

MISFITS 63 - 12 ST MARY'S OLD BOYS 2ND XV

The Misfits continued their unbeaten start to the Counties 4 Gloucester South campaign with a commanding 63-12 bonus-point victory over St Mary's Old Boys 2nd XV at Station Road on Saturday.

In the first meeting between the sides for more than five years, the league leaders produced another impressive attacking display to make it four wins from four and remain at the top of the table with a maximum 20 points.

After opening the season with three consecutive away fixtures, the Misfits were finally back on home soil and quickly settled into their stride. St Mary's began brightly, but it was the home side who struck first after 12 minutes when Fin Deavin chased down his own chip ahead to score, with Lewis Wakefield adding the conversion.

Clifton's dangerous backline soon began to find its rhythm. Six minutes later, Adam Walters finished well out wide following a flowing move, before the winger crossed again on 22 minutes after another excellent passage of handling. Wakefield remained flawless with the boot to extend the lead to 21-0.

The hosts continued to turn pressure into points. Deavin grabbed his second try on 26 minutes before Jason Grinstead broke from long range three minutes later to score a superb individual effort. Deavin then completed his hat-trick five minutes before the break as the Misfits ran riot.

St Mary's managed to end the half on a positive note, powering over from close range for a converted try, but the damage had already been done as the Lavender and Blacks headed into the interval with a commanding 42-7 advantage.

The second half began in similar fashion. Replacement Ian Bentall produced one of the moments of the afternoon on 48 minutes, intercepting a pass and racing 80 yards to score beneath the posts. Wakefield converted once more to take the lead to 49-7.

The visitors responded with a try out wide shortly afterwards, but Clifton quickly regained complete control. Winger Grinstead claimed his second try of the afternoon on 63 minutes after another turnover created attacking opportunities for the hosts.

There was still time for Deavin to complete a superb four-try haul, cruising over with 13 minutes remaining to cap a standout personal display and round off the scoring at 63-12.

Credit to Mary’s who sportingly agreed to keep the game on despite a late withdrawal by the Society Referee. Likewise their stubborn refusal to lie down, despite losing several players to injury, kept the game competitive throughout.

In another stop start match, with injuries hindering both sides, Clifton's pace, precision and clinical finishing out wide proved too much for St Mary's throughout the contest, while the return of former Player of the Year Jake Wakeling, along with experienced campaigners Graham Hardy and Will Pomphrey, added further strength to the squad.

The Thatchers Man of the Match award went deservingly to centre Fin Deavin for his 4 tries and role in several others of the home sides scores.

The victory keeps Misfits unbeaten and firmly at the top of the table as attention now turns to next Saturday's trip to Thornbury 2nd XV, where they will be aiming to make it five wins from five.

Tries:
Deavin (4)
Walters (2)
Grinstead (2)
Bentall

Cons:

Wakefield (9)

Photographs by Ian Clark