The Lavender & Blacks were keen to not only put to bed the heavy defeat last weekend to Southmead, but also avenge the injury laden loss to Saints earlier in the season.

The opening stages saw the hosts draw first blood as Jack Shodimu powered over out wide after some excellent footwork by his centre partner Jason Grinstead.

The visitors though, struck back swiftly and then began to dominate possession, scoring three times in relatively quick succession.

Onlookers would not be criticised for thinking Clifton are somewhat cursed when the playing Brendan's from an injury point of view as several rotations off the bench had to be used before half time and again in the second half.

A yellow card for young scrum-half Louis James just before the break also piled more pressure on the home side. Saints saw an opportunity and took it, scoring in the corner from a driving maul just on half-time.

Half-time score 5-24

Clifton started the third quarter with more energy and drive, but came under sustained pressure on their own line again from the Saints pack, who managed to drive over from close range to seemingly put the game out of sight.

Despite the scoreline edging away from them the hosts came alive in the final 20mins with a number of attacking line breaks, which seemed to rattle the visitors. Clifton's possession stats began to increase and time after time they entered the visitors half with intent and multiple phases.

Another good midfield strike by Shodimu saw him get a short pass away to Grinstead under the posts which fly-half Will Lang despatched for the extras.

With the clock ticking Lang himself, then barreled over from close range and added another conversion to put the score at 19-24 with 10 minutes left and all of the momentum with Clifton who continued to bang on the door with repeated attacks, that just lacked the final pass.

Final score 19-29

A disappointing result for the Misfits, but a whole hearted improvement on the week previous and in the face of another injury crisis.

Positives for the home side were palpable. The make-shift centre partnership of Shodimu and Grinstead grew into the game well and both took their scores well.
Lang's try and 2 conversions also take him to 99 points for the season.
The return of regular scrum-half 'Captain' Jack King from injury off the bench was also a welcome sight for the home supporters.

Man of the Match though went to the under spoken and hard-working graft of Ross Jaffray whose impressive work rate was at the centre of everything positive Clifton did.

Next week the Misfits are back under the lights at Station Road in a mid-week clash against Old Bristolians 2s.

Thursday 28th March. Kick Off 7.45pm

This is the only senior home game over the Easter period. The Bar will be open and all spectators are welcome.