Last minute winner keeps Clifton run going

Replacement Dave Massey was our hero as he crossed for the decisive try in the final action of the game to snatch a one point victory which stretched our unbeaten home run to 13.

The week leading up to the game was interesting especially with the variations in the weather which varied from bright sunshine, strong winds and heavy rain which had implications on pitch conditions.

We were being put under pressure by our opponents for an early decision to be made but we reminded of the postponement protocol contained in the NCA Administrative Instructions.

The pitch was fit on Friday morning and it was decided in view of the forecast of rain on Friday evening it was decided to hold an early inspection on Saturday morning prior to Southend ‘s departure with an agreement to delay the kick off to 3.00 pm.

Saturday morning was bright and sunny and the pitch was passed as fit.

A strong wind and a shower just before kickoff made conditions difficult.

Southend had first use of the cross wind and exerted early pressure through there well organised pack and the kicking of fly half Brad Burr.

In the eight minute a long pass in Southend ‘s midfield was intercepted by centre Bill Meakes who sprinted from the 22 metre line to score under the posts with fly half Charlie Foley converting..

In the thirteenth minute Man of the Match Brad Burr made a break in the Red Zone to enable the visitors to set up siege on our line and eventually Flanker Adam Ferrier forced his way over..

We were struggling to find our rhythm and for long periods played second fiddle to the visitors but our defence was of quality to deny them try scoring opportunities

In the twenty fourth minute we were penalised on the twenty two and Burr kicked the resultant penalty to put the visitors in front,

The visitors created two scoring chances before the break but sound tackling prevented our line being crossed

The game followed the same pattern at the start of the second half and Burr landed his second penalty to stretch the lead.

In the fifty seventh minute the visitors increased their lead when they went blind from a scrum on their own twenty two giving full back Mark Billings the chance to leave several defenders in his wake as he made his way to the line. Burr added the extras..

At this stage We upped our game as our superior fitness cane into play. After Burr was sent to the bin with eleven minutes we narrowed the when after a concerted attack centre Tom Preece went over for a converted try.

The visitors set up siege on our line as they attempted to play out time but we achieved a turn over and took play to their line. Billings then departed to the bin and from the next play Massey went over for the vital score.

Southend’ s Director of Rugby Chris Green felt his side could have won and blamed the defeat on poor game management whereas Darren considered we showed great character to come through in the closing stages to win

We are only one of three clubs who are up to date with our fixtures. The other two being Dins and Hartpury. We are currently fourth in the table. If the clubs just below us in the league were victorious in their outstanding games we would drop two further places