Young Misfits Miss Out

This weekends clash saw the Misfits away to Bristol Barbarians, a game of vital importance as we approached the final two games of the 2022/23 season. This game started some very late squad changes and several inexperienced players stepping up to field a full squad for this exciting match up.

Coming off an excellent win against league leaders BAC last week the Misfits were looking to build on their previous performance. The game got off to an quick start for the Misfits with lock Callum Hilton showing off some excellent ball skills, dummying two players for the Barbarians, before providing an excellent offload to Spindler who was able to rumble his way over the try line for the first score. However, this lead wasn’t to be enjoyed for too long, the Barbarians came back strong after conceding. With some strong and aggressive counter rucking disrupting the Misfits, the Barbarians were able to enjoy some needed possession and a host of penalties given away by the inexperienced Misfits side. Following a kick for their corner the Barbarians with an excellent catch and drive from the line out bundled their way for a score, after missing the conversion the teams were tied in what had been a back and forth display only 9 minutes in, game on.

As the game progressed deeper into the first half things were starting to favour the home side. The Misfits were holding defensively and were strong at the set pieces with some key players Kinny Qumar, Ben Lang, Callum Hilton providing a much better effort at the scrums following last week at BAC which was a key area for improvement. Ball was also being secured well in the lineouts by Dylan Webb, however the Misfits couldn’t seem to find their form at the breakdown, leading to further penalties and turnovers allowing the Barbarians to enjoy the majority of the possession. This led them to take the lead 30 minutes into the half through a penalty kick; 8-5 Barbarians.

Clifton now behind look to regain the lead before half time with a crucial hard 15 minutes left to come in the half. Captain Pete Anderson rallying his troops back to the line before the next kick-off. The next 5-10 minutes saw more of the same however, a good defensive effort from the squad, with Dylan Webb and Callum Hilton making some excellent first up hits for the Misfits. The Barbarians were relentless around the breakdown offering physical runs which eventually lead them to scoring their second try of the game just before half time taking the wind out of the sails of the Misfits.....or had it.

HT -15-5

The beginning of the second half saw a resurgence of desire and sheer determination to get back into the game from the Misfits, they came out with a hunger not seen in the first half with great physical runs shared across the pack. Misfits were enjoying much better clean ball at the break down which allowed Spindler to get the ball in to hands of the talented Misfits back line.

Very much with the momentum swinging in the Misfits favour some big runs from Patrice King and Lucas Spindler saw the Misfits deep into the Barbarians territory. With a mix of excellent pick and go runs from the forwards and fast paced ball movement from the backs the Barbarians were becoming increasingly stretched with penalties starting to be given to the visitors

After a barrage of Clifton attacks and consistent play inside the Barbarians 22 saw a sniping pick and go from the stand in number 9, Lucas Spindler to secure his and the Misfits second try of the game 56 minutes in 15-12 Barbarians. The pressure continued from the Misfits against what appeared to be a tiring Barbarians side with the Misfits getting back into Barbarians territory and securing a penalty within a nice range for Will Lang to slot home! Tied game 15-15 60 minutes in.

The game, looking to be back in the Misfits hands with a much-needed turnaround performance in the second half, was stifled by a determined Barbarians side who were able to quickly bounce back and score a try against what most would consider against the run of play, to put themselves back on top 20-15 to the Barbarians going into the final quarter of the game.

The last 18 minutes saw a host of excellent defensive efforts from both sides, with the play being very much in the balance. Both sides enjoying possession and coming up with some excellent hits and exciting runs leading to a close and nervy closing 5 minutes for each side.

The Misfits seemed to have the larger spring in their step chasing the game! Trying to salvage a win from the jaws of defeat, crashing and fighting their way into the Barbarians 22 saw the whole Misfits XV getting involved doing what they can to win the game! However, it was to no avail with Clifton again found isolated with the ball and conceding a game killing Penalty on the Barbarians 5m line. The ball was swiftly kicked into touch by the home team.

Defeat for the Misfits, but a brave performance by a scratch XV full of youth against a gritty and experienced Barbarians 1st Team.

Final score 20-15 Barbarians.

CLIFTON:
Tries: Spindler (2)
Penalties: Land W (1)
Conversions: Lang W (1)

Man of the Match: Lucas Spindler