Clifton had been targeting this game as a barometer of their progress since going down a heavy loss to the visitors on the first day of the season 60-5.

It was the home side who started strongest and with an opening salvo of tries, the first from full-back Jamie Stevens who kicked through to collect and score. Centre Sam Pine then finished a decent move off allowing outside-half Will Lang to add the extras and take his points tally to over 100 this season.

After 20mins Clifton looked in control of the midfield and wide areas but Ashley Down’s pack had by this point stuttered into life, dominating the set piece and causing Clifton issues at the breakdown resulting in two tries in swift succession just before the break to make it 12-14.

Clifton rallied in the third quarter and it was Stevens again whose pace outdid the visitors back line to score out wide and put the emphasis back Ashley Down to respond.

A gripping second half saw both sides have periods of possession and miss opportunities, but it was Ashley Down’s pack again coming to life in the final 20mins barrelling over twice and putting some distance on the score board.

Clifton’s development and progress from day one of the season was palpable and as the game reached its final stages the Lavender & Blacks pushed hard for a losing bonus point score, but were left to rue some missed chances and poor decisions as the clock ran down.

Final score 17-26

Clifton couldn’t help but feel disappointed on the day, but were very much buoyed by the progress they’ve made since promotion into Counties 3.

Some strong performances of note, not least from the ever reliable Stevens who took his brace of tries well. Fledgling flanker Jacques Woodall showed his potential too along with stalwart back rowers Pete Anderson and young Rohan Howard-Robinson.

It was prop Ben Lang though that took the People’s Captain Beer Man of the Match award for his shift at the coal face and showing just how much he’s progressed this year.

‘We’ve come so far this year and to play Ashley Down on the first day and then this late on was a rare chance to show how we’ve progressed, which we’ve certainly shown today and the boys should be proud of that. The lads are a bit frustrated that we probably should have nicked at least a point at the end, but we’re still learning and it’s a journey’

Misfits Coach Mark Nichols

This week sees the Misfits bring their season to a close as they host Old Bristolians 2nds, where a win could see them seal sixth place in the division. With over 100 points scored between the two sides earlier in the season when they met at Failand, this promises to be an entertaining match up to finish on.

All spectators welcome.

#Misfits