End to end play throughout this encounter saw the score line seesaw several times with Clifton leading by ten points in the final quarter but ending as the losers.

The final twist came when a penalty awarded to the home side was reversed when an intervention by the touch judge led to a red card for Alfie To’oala. The Raiders quickly took advantage and Kemp Price rumbled over for Matt McLean to convert and secure the victory by two points. Both teams gained the try bonus point.

Clifton took an early lead from a Brad Barnes penalty and then his immaculate chip from a free ball saw wing Jordan Kelly score under the post with Barnes converting. Quick responses by the Raiders allowed Jack Maslen to cross with Mclean converting. This was swiftly followed by a length of the field move by the visitors and Kiba Richards scoring. McLean who showed creativity and use of space throughout converted.

A further try and conversion by McLean put Worthing ahead only for Clifton ‘s leading try scorer Callum Roberts to scorch away for the first of his two tries with Barnes adding the extras.

McLean and Barnes exchanged penalties before Roberts scored his second to open up a ten point lead. It was however wing Sam Hampson and then flanker Price who scored late on 48with Mclean converting both that secured the narrow Raider’s win._

Clifton Rugby
Tries: Kelly [11] Cano [20] Roberts [ 38& 47]
Penalties: Barnes [2 & 44]
Conversions: Barnes [8 20 39 48]

Worthing Raiders
Tries: Maslen [11] McLean [23] Richards [ 14] Hampson [62] Price [69]
Conversions: McLean [12 14 23 & 69]
Penalties: McLean [42]