FT: Clifton 14 - 16 Guernsey

Clifton slip up against Raiders

An Owen Thomas penalty with the final kick of the match gave Guernsey a deserved victory against a Clifton team whose performance fell below their recent good form.

The Channel Islanders handled the atrocious weather conditions to greater effect particularly in the second half
It was Clifton who started brightly from the kick off with a clean break by centre Sam Goatley presenting wing Alex Lambert with a try converted by Brad Barnes.

Guernsey seeking their second double in National League rugby were resilient in the face of some strong forward pressure and following good work by impressive number eight Doug Horrocks full back Anthony Armstrong ran strongly for fifty metres to cross and put his team in the game.

Clifton were lacking their recent control particularly in the line out and Guernsey took advantage of their mistakes with Thomas slotting a penalty to give them the lead.

Clifton then failed to secure a ball over their own line with flanker George Shannon pouncing to extend the visitor’s lead.

In the closing moments some positive Clifton play allowed replacement back rower Niall Gibbons to power across the line with Barnes converting to put them in the lead by one point.

Thomas then missed an opportunity to kick the winning penalty before Clifton mistakes presented him with a further opportunity which he seized deep in injury time as the final play.

Clifton remain in 8th place in the league, level on 47 points with Bury St Edmunds (7th) & Redruth (6th) and will look to bounce back when they travel to face Birmingham & Solihull next week.

Clifton Rugby
Tries: Lambert [2] Gibbons [76]
Conversions: Barnes [3 &77]

Guernsey Raiders
Tries: Armstrong [34] Shannon [61]
Penalties: Thomas [55&82]