Derby Disappointment: Clifton 11 - Dings 17

by Roger Opie
PHOTO: Alan Stoles, Clifton Rugby

The eagerly awaited return of Dings Crusaders to national league rugby and this Bristol derby produced a special atmosphere at Cribbs Causeway in a game which was ultimately turned in favour of the visitors by an interception by replacement Harry Tovey who ran the length of the pitch to score a try with eleven minutes left on the clock Although both sides took considerable opportunities to spread the ball wide each team scored just the one try. Defences were stubborn and strong and nullified attempts near the line A Ben Bolster penalty gave Dings the lead. Clifton responded well when Sam Harrison crossed after some slick handling by his fellow backs. Following Clifton pressure Brad Barnes
kicked a penalty from in front of the posts for the interval lead.

The second half momentum was largely with Dings and Clifton began to make mistakes. Bolster used the ball wisely and from Clifton errors kicked two penalties from in front of the posts. A knock on denied Clifton a try but they attacked again only for Tovey to intercept and run away for the decisive try.

The boot of Bolster extended the lead with little time left. In the last minute Barnes kicked a penalty to secure a losing bonus for his team who will reflect on their error count.

Clifton Rugby
Tries: Harrison [18]
Penalties: Barnes [33 79]

Dings Crusaders
Tries: Tovey [69]
Penalties Bolster: [ 13 46 61 75]