Clifton 2XV produced a powerful performance away at Chosen Hill, running out convincing 69–17 winners on what was an emotional afternoon for the club following the sad news that Director of Rugby Matt Salter had passed away earlier that morning. Both sides observed a moment of silence before kick-off in his memory, and Clifton’s performance that followed was a fitting tribute.

Clifton started brightly and quickly applied pressure deep in the Chosen Hill 22. After a series of early scrums and penalties, Jacob Head crossed in the seventh minute to open the scoring. Although the conversion was missed, Clifton had settled into the game well.

Chosen Hill responded midway through the half with a try of their own to edge ahead briefly, but Clifton soon regained control. Sam Thomas finished a well-worked attack, converted by Harry Delaney, before Ollie Spragg powered over to extend the lead.

Clifton’s momentum continued to build. Conor Thomas secured the bonus point with the fourth try before the break, and Dylan Power added another just before half-time to give the visitors a commanding advantage.

The second half saw Clifton dominate both territory and possession. Harry Delaney crossed early after the restart before Ben Ling added two quick tries, both converted, stretching the lead further. Max McCarthy then got on the scoresheet following sustained pressure close to the line.

With the game firmly under control, Clifton kept the tempo high. Will Joyce, who was outstanding throughout the match, capped his performance with a well-taken try and was deservedly named Man of the Match.

Chosen Hill managed a late consolation with a converted try, but Clifton had the final word as Will Abel finished in the corner to round off the scoring.

In difficult circumstances, Clifton delivered a committed and clinical team performance, honouring Matt Salter with a result and display he would have been proud of.

Final Score:
Chosen Hill 17 – 69 Clifton 2XV

Clifton Try Scorers:
Jacob Head, Sam Thomas, Ollie Spragg, Conor Thomas, Dylan Power, Harry Delaney, Ben Ling (2), Max McCarthy, Will Joyce, Will Abel

Man of the Match: Will Joyce

MISFITS 78- 0 BRISTOL BARBARIANS

Clifton Misfits delivered a commanding performance at Station Road, running in twelve tries to defeat Bristol Barbarians 1st XV 78–0 in an afternoon that carried deep emotion for everyone connected with the club.

The fixture went ahead following the tragic news of the passing of the club’s Director of Rugby, Matt Salter. A former Bristol and Clifton legend, Salter was honoured before kick-off as both teams observed a minute’s silence in front of a steadily growing crowd who had gathered to pay their respects.

Head Coach Mark Nichols reshuffled his side for the occasion, recalling veterans Graham Hardy, Ross Denton and Daryl Cross, while prop Christiaan Barnard returned from a spell with the Wanderers. The match also saw debuts for Cass Harris, Zack Nixon and Mohammed Bah.

With the two teams not having met in league action for more than three years, both arrived at Station Road seeking momentum: the Barbarians looking to build on last week’s win, while the Misfits aimed to extend their unbeaten run in 2026.

From the outset, the hosts imposed themselves on proceedings, dominating possession and territory. Their early pressure told within two minutes when Barnard bulldozed over from close range, Lewis Wakefield adding the conversion.

Clifton quickly built on that advantage. Winger Dan Perry finished well in the corner after slick handling across the back line, before Wakefield himself darted under the posts to extend the lead to 21–0 inside eight minutes.

The Misfits’ pace and structure continued to dismantle the Barbarians’ defence, the visitors struggling to secure any meaningful possession. Hooker Lochy Emery seized a quick tap opportunity to power over on fifteen minutes, before inside centre Jake Wakeling capitalised on loose ball shortly afterwards to stretch the lead further.

Debutant Mohammed Bah added his name to the scoresheet at the end of the first quarter, Harry Heskin converting, and Heskin himself soon crossed the line to cap another flowing Clifton move.

Barnard claimed his second try following a series of relentless pick-and-go phases on the visitors’ line, and Perry also completed his brace after an incisive break from fellow debutant Zack Nixon at full-back. Cass Harris then marked his first appearance in style just before the break, dancing his way over to leave the score at an imposing 66–0 at half-time.

Despite the scoreline, Bristol Barbarians continued to work hard and managed a couple of rare visits into the Clifton 22, but each time the hosts’ defence stood firm.

The second half began much like the first ended. Just after the restart, Heskin added his second try following a powerful line break from second-row George Da Vall, converting his own score.

The Barbarians enjoyed a stronger spell during the third quarter, showing admirable resilience, yet Clifton remained resolute in defence. Wakefield eventually rounded off the scoring on the hour mark with his second try of the afternoon, bringing the tally to 78–0.

With the result long since decided and the bonus point secured, the captains and referee agreed to bring proceedings to a close slightly early, the Barbarians showing great grace in defeat.

In what was an emotional afternoon for many involved, there were standout performances throughout the Clifton side. The back-row trio of Ravi Gedara, Graham Hardy and Louis Birch proved formidable all game, while Barnard, Perry, Heskin and Wakefield each grabbed braces. The debutants also impressed, contributing plenty of energy and attacking flair.

Thatchers Man of the Match, selected by watching 1st XV coach Luke Cozens, went to Harry Heskin. Narrowly missing out on the accolade the previous week, Heskin was instrumental in orchestrating much of the Misfits’ attacking play and fully deserved the recognition.

The victory keeps the Misfits’ remarkable run going. They remain unbeaten in seven matches and have now amassed more than 300 points since Christmas. With other results also falling in their favour, Clifton climb to fourth place in Counties 4 South.

Next week the Misfits will play their game in hand as they travel to Patchway to face Aretians.

Tries: Barnard (2), Perry (2), Wakefield (2), Heskin (2), Emery, Wakeling, Bah, Harris
Conversions: Wakefield (7), Heskin (2)

Photographs by Ian Clark