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Preview: Old Redcliffians

Preview: Old Redcliffians

Mike Barber24 Apr 2019 - 09:18
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https://www.cliftonrugby.co.uk

Clifton look to sign off their 2019 season against cross town rivals

We know the task at hand on Saturday, Reds have really kicked on in the last few weeks and have played some great rugby
- Matt Salter, Head Coach

Much has happened in the 29 rounds since the two teams last met on the first day of the 2018/2019 season where Clifton overcame a physical Reds team to sneak a 17-14 win and as both teams head into the final day, they are separated by just 6 points in the table.
It was great to see that last week, both Dings and Reds secured their National 2 status and it means that Bristol continues to have 3 teams competing at Level 4 next season.

This Saturday promises to be an enticing match between the two clubs. Reds have been on a great run of form of late, putting away Redruth last week and will want to keep their streak going. Clifton are aiming to secure that 6th spot in the league and know that anything less than a win, could see them finish anywhere between 11th and 6th.

Clifton welcome back a number of players for the final match at Station Road, with captain Chris Levesley fit once more and in contention for selection alongside Gloucester trio Cam Terry, Reece Dunne and Tom Stanton. Shek Sherrif returns to full training alongside Jack Spencer who made his return to playing against Tonbridge 2 weeks ago.

Niall Gibbons made his return from suspension following his red card against Old Albanians at Tonbridge and will be looking to continue his good run of form up to that point. The squad have been focused on the task at hand on Saturday and are aware of what they will face.

"We know the task at hand on Saturday, Reds have really kicked on in the last few weeks and have played some great rugby. They have threats all over the park and we know what they will bring. We've obviously looked at them but we have prioritised ourselves this week, making sure we know what we want to achieve Saturday but how we are going to do it, our game management will be key and obviously our physicality. The club has got a great day planned and there should be a good crowd but we need to ensure we do our jobs on Saturday and finish strong."
Matt Salter, Head Coach

Saturday will also mark the end for Clifton's long serving winger Will Pomphery. Having been at the club for more than a decade and making over 100 appearances for the 1st XV, Pomphery has decided to call time on his career and having been a constant try scoring threat, will be sorely missed by all at the club.

Mitch Spencer is also in line to make his 100 appearance for Clifton this Saturday.
Alex Giltrow and Brad Barnes are still absent with long term injuries and are making their way back to fitness for next season.

Jake Morris has been called up to the England U20 training squad for their preparations for the game against South Africa on Friday and Tom Jones has been with Scotland U18 in the Six Nations Festival at Hartpury over the Easter period.

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