Local derbies are always intense, close affairs that produce sometimes the best or worst of spectacles. This week, Clifton hop across the city to face a Dings team who's opening day told a very similar story to that of their own. Coming from 19-3 down at half time, a last minute Gavin Curry try helped seal a win that, like Clifton's last minute winner against Barnes, made the opening day feel very different than it had looked from both teams changing rooms at half time.

Both teams, like last year, will come together on the second weekend of the new season and it promises to be an enthralling match up. Dings took a 11-17 win from Station Road last year before Clifton came out on top in a 13-22 thanks to a late Ross Pritchard try shortly before Christmas at Shaftesbury Park. With both teams stacked with quality and recent additions, plus a number of players who have had feet in both camps, it always adds extra anticipation to a long standing and competitive rivalry.

Clifton come into the weekend with a clean bill of health following the close win against Barnes last week and are mindful of the challenges Dings will pose.

"They are always physical and intense battles, we have to prepare physically and mentally for it. Both teams want to run over each other and both teams can play, so we need to ensure that our detail is right in the areas we want to target. We've looked hard at where we feel we need to be better after last week; we were probably a bit inaccurate with the ball and we lacked some clarity on our defensive organisation. We've put that right this week, we need to ensure we are patient but up for the battle. There's going to be a huge crowd there, it's a great place to play, a great occasion and we are looking forward to it and know the job we have to do."
Mike Barber, Assistant Coach

Clifton Wanderers will take on Dings Knights at Shaftesbury Park before the main event, kick off 12:00 before the 1st XV National 2 South League clash kicks off at 15:00

Clifton v Dings Crusaders | Saturday 14th September | Shaftesbury Park | Kick Off 15:00