Clifton deny Launceston in the downpour

Clifton deservedly took the honours in this hard fought encounter in which both sides gave their all and the result was in doubt until the final whistle.

The one disappointment that having scored three tries in the opening half hour we were unable to snatch a try bonus point during the remainder of the game.

The visitors arrived with a highly experienced pack of forwards several of whom had played at a higher level and an eager set of backs who were full of running.

With skipper Paul Fincken injured lock Ben Purcell took over the captaincy role and he had an outstanding game which must have acted as an inspiration to the rest of the side.

He carried the ball well throughout making several powerful runs which the visitors struggled to halt while his defensive work was out of the top drawer.

His put stamp on early on when he powered through the visitors defence to give centre Will Meakes a clear run to the line for a try converted by fly half Charley Foley.

The visitors levelled ten minutes later after a period of forward dominated pressure when Clifton ran out of defenders in the top right and lock Ben Hilton stretched his long frame to score a try converted by full back Kieron Lewitt.

Pressure was maintained and the visitors went in front when fly half Jake Murphy dropped a goal to put them in front.

Clifton regained the lead five minutes later when winger Will Pomphrey along with Purcell made ground along the touch line to put full back James Golledge over for a try converted by Foley.

Centre Tom Preece scored Clifton’s third on the half hour again after good work by Purcell bursting through midfield.

In the build up lock Joe Quinn was forced off the field after what appeared to be dangerous tackle with Josh coming on as replacement.

Towards the end of the half the visitors struck back with a fine try from Lewitt which he also converted.

Foley had the final say in the half when he kicked a penalty with the last action of the half.

Clifton’s injury jinx continued as Meakes left at the break to be replaced by Davy Massey

After the break the visitors forwards dominated the game with flanker Mike Rawlings outstanding. They took total control at line out time did well at scrum time though Clifton held their own in the loose.

They kicked away possession and rarely threatened our line.

Clifton defended well to cut down scoring opportunities and achieved several crucial turn overs.

Clifton looked dangerous on the counter attack with Pomphrey , Golledge, winger Sam Smith and Purcell making long runs which could have brought greater reward if more support could have reached the ball carrier.

The only score in the second half was a Lewitt but the biggest influence in the half was a horrendous storm on the hour which at times made it difficult to see across the ground but it did increase the unforced errors.

After a quarter of the season the league is very tight with the benefit of bonus points Hartpury and Cambridge appear to be pulling away. There are no whipping boys at the bottom as is usually the case.

The tightness of the table can be highlighted by Dings away win at Shelford which saw them climb 6 places.