runners up in the cup

Clifton U12s rounded off their time as minis in style, finishing as runners-up in the Gloucestershire Cup at Dursley. Having won through to the semis with some dominant displays earlier in the season, we had earned our place as one of the top 4 sides in the county. Drawn against Lydney, who had edged us out of the Land Rover Cup on count-back, we were determined not to lose out to them again.

The weather was awful, with heavy rain and a cold gale blowing all morning, and the first semi, between Cleve and Dursley, reduced the pitch to a mudbath. This was a problem for everyone and made running rugby almost impossible. Still, we set about Lydney with gusto, and within minutes had scored the all important first try. Lydney came back at us hard, too hard in fact, and the referee had the usual trouble keeping their players and coaches in order. Several times they were marched back 10 for backchat. Our defence was heroic, however, from the whole team, and we kept them out. Victory was sweet.

This put us through to the final against Cleve. Cleve have been the team to beat all season, and although again we scored first, they ran in three good tries and we ended well beaten. Congratulations to Jeff and his squad, who are always a pleasure to play.

After two hard games in the mud our boys were almost unrecognisable (see the photos). They all tackled like demons and played their hearts out. Special thanks to Olly Nelson for filling Matthew's big boots at full-back, and to Reuben and Josh for being patient subs. Our pack was immense, our half-backs brilliant, our tackling in midfield ferocious, and our back three solid with little ball. Well done to all.