Second half performance sees Clifton through

Director of rugby of rugby Darren Lloyd was delighted as his side continued their unbeaten winning run on their first ever visit to Ampthill.

They were behind at the break but staged a strong second half display to run out convincing winners.

Clifton made a bright start when after a succession of forward drives when centre Will Pomphrey went over for an unconverted try.

Shortly afterwards they were forced into a re-organisation when influential new recruit Joe Quinn was forced off by a leg injury which reduced the effectiveness of Clifton’s line out

Fly half Rory Teague opened Ampthill’s account with a 5th minute penalty and went on to convert a 22nd try when Tongan International back row Maama Molitika went over . Teague added the extras,

Clifton fly half Charlie Foley keep his side back into the game with a long range penalty and they regained the lead when Pomphrey broke away from distance and went over on the half hour.

Back came the home side and full back Elliot Clements-Hill ran back a clearance kick to score a try wide out to put his side back in front which Teague converted to put his side in front at the break.

The visitors looked a different side after the break playing with much more vision. pace and accuracy and it was no surprise when in the 53rd minute prop Rupert Freestone went over for a try which Foley converted to put his side in front for the third time.

Scrum half Matt Britton playing his first game for over a year made a powerful blindside break after 65 minutes to score and put his side back in front as well as gaining his side a try bonus point

Foley converted the try.

Teague landed his second penalty as Clifton’s dominance increased

Almost immediately Foley replied with a penalty to maintain Clifton’s lead at 10 points.

Unfortunately for Britton shortly afterwards he was forced off the field with a cut to the head which required in excess of 10 stitches.

Another long term absentee George Karayiannis celebrated his return to the side with an excellent try with 5 minutes remaining. Foley added the extra’s to clinch a convincing win.

Lloyd took the opportunity to give newcomers John Neville and Josh Goddard a taste of league rugby off the bench while Harry Goodfield wade his league debut.

Next Saturday’s home game with Bishop ‘s Stortford is being staged on the C lose at Clifton College when the kick off will be 2,30pm