A bright start for the Wanderers saw them take advantage of the slope and the wind, scoring 2 tries to stretch into a 14-0 lead at the half hour mark. However, Clifton’s discipline hindered them, conceding multiple penalties in attacking positions.

Despite a generally strong defensive effort from the Wanderers, several breakaways from their own half eventually saw Old Reds pull back a try to head into half time with the score 7-14.

Up the hill and into the wind was always going to be a challenge in the 2nd half, however a titanic display of defence kept Wanderers in the game in the 2nd half – Ed Grinsted channelling his inner Borthwick to disrupt almost every maul attempt from Old Reds, preventing them from capitalising on territory.

Both teams traded tries, with Old Reds taking advantage of the conditions but Clifton managing to play out from their own 22 several times. Going into the last minutes of the game Clifton had edged out a 20-29 lead, thanks to a try, conversion and penalty from Harry Delaney.

Old Reds managed to pull back a try thanks to a breakaway leaving the scores 27-29 going into the dying minutes.

During the last play of the game, a baffling penalty try was awarded after touchline tackle on Clifton’s 22. As confusion about the decision reigned, the final whistle blew leaving Old Reds victorious.

Try scorers: Perrins, Delany x 2, Sloan
MoM: Ed Grinsted

Misfits 33–15 St Brendan’s Old Boys 1s

Encounters between Misfits and St Brendan’s Old Boys are seldom short of intrigue, and with memories still fresh of January’s pulsating 31–31 draw, there was every expectation that this latest meeting would follow a similarly dramatic script. In the end, the afternoon took on a rather different complexion, though it still delivered moments of quality and resilience in equal measure.

Misfits head coach Mark Nichols was forced into a reshuffle prior to kick-off. Veterans Les Robinson and Darryl Cross returned to the fold, while Matt Ng was drafted into the back row. A notable tactical switch saw Harry Heskin move from centre to fly-half, with debutant Hugo Plat handed a starting berth in midfield. Nat Parmenter also marked his return from a lengthy lay-off in the 13 shirt.

However, proceedings were disrupted before they had even properly begun. Owing in part to the scheduling of a Bristol Bears fixture, St Brendan’s were unable to field a full side or a front row, resulting in a home walkover being awarded to Misfits. In the spirit of the game, both clubs agreed to continue as a friendly, with Misfits matching their opponents’ 14 players.

Once underway, the hosts wasted little time asserting themselves. Within two minutes, Heskin capped a slick attacking move initiated by full-back Mick Halden to open the scoring, adding the conversion himself for a 7–0 lead. Five minutes later, captain Michael Wyatt burst clear to touch down beneath the posts, again converted by Heskin.

The early dominance continued as Halden turned finisher on 18 minutes, crossing out wide to extend the advantage to 21–0. At that stage, Misfits appeared firmly in control, moving the ball with fluency and precision.

Yet St Brendan’s responded with admirable spirit. Two tries in the space of five minutes, both finished out wide, punished lapses in the home defence and reduced the deficit to 21–10. With momentum briefly shifting, Misfits found themselves short of possession and in need of a steadying score.

That moment arrived just before the interval. Colts flanker Archie Davies powered over after a determined carry, with Heskin maintaining his perfect record from the tee. On the stroke of half-time, debutant Plat underlined his promise by finishing another well-worked move, sending Misfits into the break with a 33–10 cushion.

The second half began in a more fragmented fashion. St Brendan’s once again demonstrated their tenacity, crossing from a maul out wide on 50 minutes to make it 33–15.

Unfortunately, the contest was then curtailed when two injuries to the visitors, one of them serious, reduced their numbers to 12. With player welfare paramount, both captains agreed to bring proceedings to a close after 60 minutes.

Misfits will nonetheless take encouragement from several strong individual displays. Prop Harry Redfern impressed in the tight, while Heskin adapted superbly to his role at fly-half, contributing a try and four conversions. Davies’ work at flanker also stood out, particularly his physicality in open play.

The Thatcher’s Man of the Match award deservedly went to Plat, whose intelligent lines of running and creative spark provided a focal point for much of the hosts’ attacking play on his debut.

While the result officially stands as a home walkover, earning Misfits five valuable league points, the manner of their performance will offer further satisfaction. They remain fourth in Counties 4 South and now turn their attention to a two-week break before welcoming Old Bristolians 2nd XV to Station Road on 11 April.

Tries: Heskin, Wyatt, Halden, Davies, Plat
Con: Heskin (4)

Photographs by Ian Clark