Looking to the great works of literature to capture the essence of Misfits performance, one could find solace in ‘The boy in the Striped Pyjamas’, ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘Les Misérables’, but all three would be too uplifting to reflect our performance on this harrowing day.

The opening fifteen minutes saw the two sides rigorously bout over the halfway line. The midfield battle saw aggressive counter rucking from both sides but the stalemate was eventually broken by Broad Plain who used some inventive gamesmanship to cross the Misfits defence; straight through the posts for the first of six, yes six, converted tries.

What ensued from that inaugural try of the match was an onslaught from Broad Plain who used highly effective supporting runs that out classed Misfits scrambling defence. Broad Plain convinced the crowd that they are a true contender for league winner in this half. Through the adversity, some huge determination was shown by the Misfits to restructure their defence but unfortunately any won ball was lost or kicked away by our optimistic fly half, Will Lang. Not long before the end of the first half, frustrations began to bite in the Misfit’s pack and the referee’s whistle blew to signal a yellow; off walked Dylan Webb for ten.

The second half opened with two easily scored tries from Broad Plain; a lesser side could have gone on to concede in a spiralling decay, however true grit was shown by the Misfits to change their game plan and hold on to the ball. This allowed winger Adam Walters opportunity to stretch his legs and ask some questions of the opposition. Unfortunately, the knock-on count was playing catch up with the score, so chances were not realised. However, the scrum played out as another fiercely contested battleground with both teams winning ball.

Another lapse in focus and belief from the Misfits, so two more tries conceded. However, promise was shown from new signing Aslan Ali who took the fight to the game line with growing confidence and Jake Morris who injected positivity and energy to the pack with his second half super sub mentality.

A break away by Lang came to nought as well after his nudge in field was spilled and another chance for Clifton went begging.

Finally, after some hard-fought territory was won and the home team were put under significant pressure, centre Oscar Webb made an excellent interception to make the 5 consolation points so desperately lusted for.

Man of the match went to ‘Clifton Tour Captain’ Jack King for being able to tackle; a hollow victory most pundits are proclaiming. The Misfits have much soul searching to do on what sort of team they aspire to be. There is great fight and technical competence in this team that did not see the light of day.

Next week we see old league rivals BAC make the trip to Station Road, where the next set of points are once again up for grabs!

Dum Ludimus Ludamus
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