Clifton RFC head into the final weekend of the National League 2 West season knowing that everything rests on the next 80 minutes. One more game. One more win. And they will be crowned champions and earn promotion.

It’s been a campaign full of passion, progression, and purple pride, a season that has built week by week, try by try, into a genuine shot at the title. Saturday’s opponents? Exeter University, the same side Clifton opened their season against in a tense 15–15 draw. Fitting, then, that it all comes full circle at Station Road this Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm, as all final round fixtures get underway across the league. Clifton sits three points clear at the top, and a victory will confirm their place at the summit.

From Slow Start to Scorching Form

The journey hasn’t been straightforward. After just one win in their first five games, questions were asked. But the response was emphatic: eleven straight wins, including statement victories over Redruth (home and away), Devonport, Taunton, and Cinderford.

Clifton's free-flowing attack has produced over 120 tries, led by top scorer Alexander Kilbane (16 tries), with strong contributions from Hamid, Anderson, Spencer, Gibbons, and many more. Ollie Millner leads the points tally with 123, but the strength has come from a united squad effort across the park.

Coaching, Club Culture & Community

A huge part of this success lies in the leadership of the senior coaching group: Matt Salter, Luke Cozens, Paul Fincken, and Will Owen. Their work on and off the pitch has created a side capable of playing expansive rugby with real steel.

The club continues to go from strength to strength. The 2nd XV secured promotion last weekend, their second in three seasons, thanks to the support of Callum Simpson, Andrew Simmers, and Mark Nichols for keeping the 3rd XV active and competitive. Over 20 players stepped up from the 3s into the 2s over the season.

As Club Chairman Aftab Hamid said: “We didn’t even have a 3rd XV a few years ago. The support they’ve provided to the 2s has been crucial – and to see both sides thriving is something special.”

Thank You to Our Team Behind the Team

None of this happens without the tireless work of our club volunteers and officials:

• Aftab Hamid – Club Chairman
• Les Robinson – Treasurer
• Abs Edwards – Club Secretary
• All the Committee members

• Ray Watkins – 1st XV Team Manager
• Katy Tingley – 4th Official
• Sarah Hamid - Every other job that needs doing
• Roger Opie & Ian Clarke – Match reports and photography
• Wyn Tingley – Live commentary and USA liaison for the Life in Lavender And Black podcast
• Alison Harvey – for a fantastic job as Commercial Manager

• Our incredible matchday caterers and bar staff
• The volunteers who set up and clean down week in, week out
• Our groundsman for keeping Station Road looking sharp
• The gate team taking entrance money with a smile
• The ever-reliable ball boys who never miss a beat
• Our loyal sponsors, raffle-ticket buyers, and the ever-growing 200 Club — thank you all

You all help make Clifton RFC more than just a rugby club.

One Final Challenge
Saturday 26 April. 3pm. Station Road.
Clifton vs Exeter University.
This team has delivered week after week, home and away. Now they stand on the brink of promotion. One last push. One last performance.

Come down, wear your lavender and black, raise your voices, and be part of a day we’ll talk about for years.

80 minutes to destiny. Let’s finish the job.