Clifton Wanderers returned to Station Road this week to face cross fence neighbours Bristol Saracens 1st XV in round 3 of Gloucester Premier. Both sides came into the game in high spirits following convincing victories in their opening two games.

Wanderers were without head coach Fincken due to a call up to the 1st XV but welcomed a wealth of talent and experience into the squad. Hooker Gaynor rejoined the Wanderers from 1st XV duties against Hinckley last week, while flyhalf Barnes and flanker-turned-winger Rovery made their first competetive appearances of the season for the club, and the versatile Ben Morgan moved up from the Nomads (3rd XV). Wanderers were also without Bates and Spencer, who also returned to 1st XV duties, as well as the injured West and captain Harrison, who handed the reigns to the returning Broady but filled in for the missing Fincken on the touchline.

Wanderers fired into action from the first minute with Ward crossing the line at 57 seconds in the first attacking set of the game after Wanderers recovered their own kick off. Saracens responded minutes later with a try of their own following some loose Wanderers defence. Wanderers were unphased and continued to play some exciting wide attacking rugby which proved too fast for the opposition as they proceeded to run in five further tries before the halftime break. Broady and Powell claimed a score each for the forwards while Ward crossed for his second and Clancy claimed two for himself.

HT 38-5

Credit to Saracens who came out fast and hard at the start of the second half but Wanderers weathered the storm well for 10 minutes. Wanderers claimed two tries through the next 10 minute period with Ward completing his hatrick and Mortimore also crossing the line. Saracens scored their second and final try of the game on the 60 minute mark, again taking advantage of a defensive mistake in the Wanderers midfield.

Wanderers fitness then prevailed once again through the final 20 minutes as they racked up a further 5 tries. Ward appeared uncontent with his hatrick and selfishly crossed the line for a further two scores. The ever present Woodward also crossed twice, while Trafford claimed the final try of the day and his first for the club. Barnes closed out the scoreboard with the conversion, completing a solid 11/13 effort from the kicking tee.

FT 87-10

Wanderers will be pleased with a clinical full 80 minute performance. Some massive improvements in discipline from previous weeks allowed them to control territory and the resultant pressure is reflected in the consistent scoring throughout the game. The only faults in an otherwise impressive performance may be the couple of defensive lapses that saw Wanderers concede their first competetive tries of the season.

Stand in coach Harrison named Woody as man of the match for a tenacious effort on both sides of the ball, with countless broken tackles and turnovers. A notable mention also goes to Wardy for a momentous 5 tries.

Clifton Wanderers now have a well earned rest weekend before travelling to Cheltenham Saracens on Saturday 23rd October to continue their Gloucester Premier campaign as the clear league leaders.

#lavenderandblack

1. Beno Edwards
2. Ethan Gaynor
3. Sam Turner
4. Trafford Squire
5. Geraint Powell
6. Will Mortimer
7. Max Woodward
8. Dan Broady
9. Will Luxford
10. Brad Barnes
11. Conor Sloan
12. Tom Jones
13. Zak Ward
14. James Clancy
15. Will Joyce

16. Callum Simpson
17. Chris Rovery
18. Ben Morgan