The Misfits made one of the shortest away trips in English rugby this weekend, crossing the hedge to face local neighbours Bristol Saracens 2s in a much-needed friendly encounter.

Following a positive start to their league campaign, Clifton were eager to maintain momentum heading into the second block of fixtures, beginning next week with a derby against Dings Warriors. Head Coach Mark Nichols handed club debuts to flanker Will Connington and winger Ollie Whattam, while there were welcome returns for Ben Armstrong, Stef Kitchen, and prop Armani Symonds after long injury layoffs.

Saracens opened the scoring after just five minutes, converting following a spell of early pressure to lead 7–0.
Clifton settled soon after, and on 17 minutes hooker Lochy Emery crossed for his first senior try, finishing neatly out wide to close the gap to 7–5. The visitors continued to build momentum, and captain Michael Wyatt extended the lead five minutes later, diving over in the corner after more fine work from Emery.

On the half-hour mark, second row Chris Barnard added Clifton’s third, powering over from close range after sustained forward pressure. Debutant Ollie Whattam added the extras to take visitors 10 points clear.

Just before the interval, returning prop Armani Symonds made an immediate impact from the bench, bulldozing through the defence to score Clifton’s fourth, again converted by Whattam to make it 7–24 at half-time.

Saracens began the second half with renewed intensity and were rewarded with an early try to narrow the deficit to 12–24. However, Symonds soon restored Clifton’s control, storming through for his second try on 52 minutes.

A lapse in defensive concentration at a line-out allowed Saracens to respond on the hour mark, bringing the score to 19–29, before Symonds was denied a hat-trick for a marginal double movement.

The Lavender & Blacks continued to dominate territory, spurning several opportunities, until after sustained pressure, veteran centre Alex Rumley crashed over to seal a deserved victory.

Full-Time: Bristol Saracens 2s 19–34 Clifton Misfits

It was a highly encouraging performance from the Misfits, who showed composure, structure, and strong set-piece execution throughout. Flanker Jacob Jenkins was a constant nuisance at the breakdown, while Edwards, Rumley, and Lightburn all produced moments of quality that entertained the travelling supporters.

The Thatchers Man of the Match award went to prop Armani Symonds, whose powerful running, solid scrummaging, on top of his brace of tries off the bench capped an outstanding return from injury.

Clifton would like to thank Saracens for hosting the game and we wish them all the best for the remainder of their season.

The Misfits now turn their attention back to league action, hosting Dings Warriors at Station Road next weekend in what promises to be another fierce local derby.

Tries:
Emery, Barnard, Symonds (2), Wyatt, Rumley
Cons:
Whattam (2)