Clifton turned in their best all-round performance of the season and ran in eight tries for the second successive Saturday with in form winger AJ Kilbane claiming a hat trick.

A spirted Macclesfield crossed three times in the final stages to recover from the fifty-point deficit they were facing. Clifton’s incisive back division sparkled in the autumn sunshine with scrum half Mitch Spencer, on his 200th appearance, partnering well with fly half Tom Quinlan to set up rapid moves.

Coach Luke Cozens was particularly pleased with his team’s first half showing during which they scored five converted tries, secured the try bonus point and opened up a thirty five point lead. He was also satisfied that player combinations are now working well as confidence increases.

Macclesfield made few excursions into Clifton territory until late in the game. Clifton’s defence with forwards and backs put in some fine tackles to thwart their visitors. Their speed of passing and spoiling the Macclesfield line out created many openings to exploit.

First strike came from a well-judged Quinlan kick to the comer, a line out steal and a pass to send flanker Jay Evans over.with Quinlan adding the first of six conversions. An interception and fifty metre run sent Kilbane over before the jinking Spencer added to the tally.

Slick handling and a powerful finish saw Matty Smith join the procession with Kilbane soon again chasing a kick ahead to the line. A quick tap penalty taken by Spencer presented Kilbane with his hat trick...Quinlan then gathered his own kick ahead to go under the posts. The fly half was the nominated Clifton Sausage man of the match amongst several other prominent individual showings.

The eighth try came from Freddie Myatt following a catch and drive. Macclesfield seemed to raise their determination and came back in the final stages to catch a relaxed Clifton . Tries came from Jamie Harrison, Elliott Alston and Tom Jennings.

Story: Roger Opie
Photo: Wyn Tingley (Mitch Spencer on his 200th appearance)