Mighty Misfits Outmuscle The Mouth

In a thrilling rugby match under the sun at Station Road, Clifton emerged victorious with a 31-24 win over Avonmouth 2nds in their final League outing of the 2023.

A bonus point win would put the Clifton 3rd Team in the driving seat to hold on to second place in Gloucester Counties 4 South, behind table topping British Aerospace and potentially putting them in line for a runners-up promotion place.

The game started with a bang as Avonmouth drew first blood, with a try within just five minutes of the kick-off. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, and they took an early lead of 0-5.

However, Clifton responded quickly with a try from Captain Pete Anderson who chose to ignore the wide-open space ahead and instead bulldoze his way through the opposition full-back. Lang added the extras, turning the tide 7-5 in the home sides favour. Avonmouth weren’t ready to give up yet and showing heart scored another break away try, which they successfully converted, and so the lead swung again 7-12 to the visitors.

Clifton's response was timely again as centre Oscar Webb scored a notable ‘banger’ of a try carving through the black and red shirts to score under the posts. The lead changing hands once again with the score line narrowing to 14-12 in favour of Clifton. The Misfits sought to press home their domination of the mid-field and were rewarded with a try for winger Patrice King on the 34th minute mark, extending their lead to 19-12.

Avonmouth again refused to back down and capitalised on some missed tackles to score again, which tied the game at 19-19 just before the halftime whistle blew.

Back to the drawing board for the Misfits - the second half started with Clifton looking to take control of the game, and they did just that with a well worked try from centre Alex Lunnon. The score was now 26-19 in favour of Clifton.

Despite Clifton’s resilience in defence against multiple phases of Avonmouth attack, the visitors finally broke through with a well worked try of their own at the 68th minute mark, bringing the score line to 26-24. It was all to play for in the final stages.

Clifton pressed down on the accelerator and with just a few minutes remaining, and with a rare demonstration of catching the ball, winger Patrice King crossed the white wash out wide for his second try of the game, sealing the victory. Final score of 31-24.

A hard-fought bonus point victory for Clifton, with performances of note from many of the boys, who showed their resilience and determination to come back from behind and secure the win and their highest league position since the Misfits side was formed last season.

Massive credit and thanks to all the players, coaches, and supporters for a fantastic finish to a great season from the lads. #UPTHEMISFITS

Scorers:
Tries: Anderson, Webb O, King P (2), Lunnon
Cons: Lang (3)

MoM: Oscar Webb