Clifton played some of their best rugby of the season in the final quarter to power to an impressive win against a Barnes team who dominated the line out and edged the early exchanges in the tight. Barnes led at half time and it was not until the second half unfolded with some scintillating play that the home team confirmed the five points.

Early on Josh Hammett and Brad Barnes swapped penalties with centre Matt Cornish making a clean break to go under the post with Hammett converting to give the Londoners the half time lead.

Immediately from the re-start the impressive Sam Goatley make a 55 metre ghosting run to touch down and bring Clifton back into contention only for his opposite number Nick Van Buuren to slide under the post for Hammett to convert.

A further Goatley break sent winger Hugh Campbell with Barnes adding the extras and then a penalty The kicker then set up Bentley Halpin to cross and convert again . The Van Buuren-Hammett combination clicked again to make it a one point game.

Clifton then dominated the closing stages with a further Campbell try followed by scrum half Spencer jinking under the post from a quickly taken penalty with Barnes converting both. To the delight of the home crowd prop Mark Roberts dashed into the corner to complete an excellent period for the Station Road boys.

Clifton Rugby
Tries: Goatley [41] Campbell [ 53&72] Halpin [64] Spencer [75] Roberts [78]
Penalties: Barnes [28 58]
Conversions: Barnes [ 54 65 73 76]

Barnes RFC
Tries: Cornish [31] Van Buuren [ 45 67]