Clifton on top against Hartpury

In a highly entertaining game Clifton ran out deserved and gained ample revenge for the 72-3 drubbing they suffered at Hartpury at the end of last season.

The game was highly competitive between two excellent sides but the home side had the edge in all departments..

Winning your first 2 game is an ideal start to the campaign especially when one is against the pre season favourites,

The home side went behind after 2 minutes when full back Billy Burn landed a straight forward penalty,

Clifton put the college under pressure and when winger Sam Smith made a cross field run he linked with No 8 Mitch Eadie who powered his way down the narrow side to score.

Burns landed a second penalty before home full Back enjoying an outstanding start to the season burst through what appeared to be a nonexistent defence to put winger August Slowick in under the posts

Scrum half Callum Braley kicked the conversion.

The College struck back immediately when they launch a series of drives and No 8 Ellis Genge a member of Bristol Academy went over for a unconverted try..

Braley landed 2 penalties to give his side a seven point lead at the break.

The College looked a different side after interval but Clifton were equal to the task and their line held firm for 10 minutes.

The quick feet of former Clifton centre took him past 3 defenders to the line with Burns converting to level the scores

Pomphrey who has started the season in a rich vein of try scoring raced 30 metres to the corner to score but Burns responded with a similar effort.

The coolness of Braley shone through as he landed two penalties to re-establish the lead

With the game going into its final stages Hartpury dominated possession as they lay siege to the home line.

Clifton’s defence was dogged and outstanding and never looked like cracking and when the ball went forward off a visiting player the final whistle signalled a memorable win.

Darren was pleased with the way is gelling and the collective spirit and effort the whole squad are showing.