Second half performance not enough

Despite this narrow defeat we managed to stretch our lead at the head of the table.

We managed to pick up a losing bonus point while the sides who could have taken advantage of our slip up only Bournemouth gained 2 points for a draw at Shelford.

The table now makes interesting reading as depending on results there are 6 sides plus ourselves who could lead the way after this weeks games.

Next week we make one of our longest tripe of the season when we travel to Cambridge for the first meeting between the clubs.

This is a game we could have won in a similar style to the game at Canterbury when the final kick gave us a win.

In the final action of the game replacement prop Tom McDonough went over close to the corner flag to put Clifton within a point of the home side. Fly half Brad Barnes conversion attempt from a wide angle hit the upright and bounced the wrong way and final whistle blew.

In the first half the ability of the home side to maul and the power of their heavyweight pack became more prominent as the game progressed though we looked dangerous when our backs had possession.

On our first visit to the home twenty two Barnes put us in front with a straight forward penalty.

This was almost immediately cancelled out by kick from winger George Owen.

The home side deservedly took the lead when winger Steve Catterall seized a loose clearance kick and raced 30 metres before releasing hooker Scott Tolmie who raced to the line for an unconverted try.

5 minutes into the second half the home side scored again when a great run by Tolmie enabled lock Charlie Davey to cross under the posts with Owen converting. Owen landed a penalty on the hour to give his side an 15 point lead put l

Clifton then came to life like a sleeping giant after an hour as their superior fitness began to show as their forwards took control and their backs ran with purpose.

After 65 minutes they ran a short penalty and after moving the ball through several pairs of hands debutant centre Bill Meakes only had to walk across the line to score.

Only desperate defence prevented the visitors from scoring a prime example being when winger Sam Smith after a long run was bundled into touch metres of the line,

Eventually with minutes remaining No 8 Hugo Govett went over following a back row move with Barnes converting.

Clifton were only 3 points behind but this margin was doubled when Owen landed his third penalty of the afternoon.

This set up the excitement of the closing minutes.

The result was disappointing but games like this will be won if the intensity of the final quarter plus accuracy can be matched for a whole game.