A lively student team arrived with every intention of keeping the ball in hand to stretch Clifton and with a strong wing behind them actually led the match at half time (14-17).

It was ultimately though, the scrum power exerted by their hosts with some committed running by the backs which proved too much and enabled Clifton to confirm the league’s third place, for the 3rd season in a row - a remarkable consistency in the national leagues.

Good approach play early on sent flanker Jay Evans over for fly half Luke Cozens to add his first of six successful conversions. The tactical awareness of Cozens with fine touch line conversions were evident throughout the game.

Exeter did hit back with a Jack Park penalty before scrum dominance provided good ball for home winger James Tayler to score.

Some loose play enabled student flanker Ewan Green to burst over. A well weighted kick led to wing Conor Byrne scoring his first of two tries with Park converting both efforts.

Some tactical adjustments meant Clifton then ran away with the game in spite of suffering injuries to several players.

Tries came regularly, starting with a sweeping move ending with scrum half Spencer scoring, centre Marcus Nel powering across, then a catch and drive ending with replacement hooker Tom Hatch touching down.

The final onslaught started with strong running centre Will Owen breaking tackles to score, followed by winger Tom Doherty and finally Tayler adding his second to round off a good afternoon and justify his Clifton Sausage man of the match award.

Across the city, local rivals Dings Crusaders completed their own remarkable season by securing promotion to National League 1. Full congratulations from all at Clifton Rugby and best wishes for next season are due; equally impressive, yet another Bristol-based club, Old Redcliffians, achieved 4th place yesterday; meaning that 3 out of the top 4 spots in national league 2 West are currently occupied by Bristol clubs: truly the home of rugby.

There is now a two week break until the final match of the season when Clifton travel to Shropshire to play Newport Salop RFC.

Roger Opie (Story)

Wyn Tingley (Photo: Clifton's Kei Bergh secures ball at the line out)