Misfits miss out in tough top of the table clash

Clifton Misfits fell narrowly away from home to an experienced Bristol Aeroplane Company RFC side 20-12, who extend their unbeaten start in the league to 9 games.

The Lavender and Blacks were well aware of the challenge ahead of them given BAC's recent form and personnel, which included former England U20 and Bristol Bears three-quarter Luke Eves.

The game was scrappy throughout, with lots of stoppages and scrum restarts playing into BAC’s hands, allowing their powerful scrum to assert dominance early. Clifton stayed in the fight thanks to a spirited defensive effort and good territorial management by fly half Will Lang. BAC struck just before the break with an unconverted try from close range, and a further penalty kick left the hosts 8-0 up.

The Misfits came out of the second half on top, and narrowed the gap following a try of their own. Pressing close to the BAC line, a penalty advantage allowed Lang to kick cross field, which was well taken and scored by replacement Jack Shodimu, to give the Misfits hope. Another strong BAC try showed why they are unbeaten this season, and once again extended their lead. Shortly after, behind good line speed and pressure, the Misfits regained the ball and played wide, where full-back Wes Paul was waiting to beat multiple defenders and score under the posts and Lang's conversation closed the gap to 15-12, with the visitors in the ascendancy. Clifton had a chance to even the score line with a penalty 6 yards out with 10mins to play, but with BAC on the back foot the on field decision to go for the jugular didn't come off and with the time ticking down another strong effort from the BAC forwards led to their third try, which ultimately proved to be the winner and gave BAC a well deserved victory.

The Misfits can take a lot of positives from the game, and will go into the reverse fixture at Station Road full of confidence. Hooker Callum Dovell was named man of the match for his hard running and work defensively, with other strong performances coming from centre Will Pomphrey, who carried well throughout, winger Leon Paul, who beat multiple defenders on more than occasion, and Kinny Qumar, who played his first game at loosened and held his own against a very experienced opposite man.

After the game Misfits Head Coach Scott McGrath said:

"We are very proud of the boys today and the shift they put in against a good Combination 1st Team. We felt that the boys have learned some lessons from it. Credit to BAC who had to bring their 'A' game today, because we felt we asked lots of questions of them. Yes, we can talk about not kicking the 3 points, but the positivity and belief from the boys on the pitch at that time meant we felt we could get more in that moment. We're a relatively young side and are still on a journey. The next time we meet BAC I think it will be another great game."

The Misfits sit in 2nd place, only 7 points behind BAC, having played a large number of road games to open the season, with 5 of the next 6 at home.

The Misfits host Kingswood at Station Road on December 3rd, and will be looking to bounce back and continue to put pressure on BAC results, before their second meeting in March.