clifton v north cheltenham

Clifton under-13s secured a second win in their Gloucester Cup pool in a one-sided encounter at home to North Cheltenham.

With each team being reduced to 12 players because the visitors were short on numbers, the game was free-flowing with plenty of space for those with pace.

We racked up 10 tries to their two, with a very quick and elusive Archie bagging several, while Sam Sproull, Sam Read, Monty, Dominic and Matthew also crossed the try line. (Apologies to anyone I’ve missed. Let us know and hopefully we’ll be able to add your name).

And that was that. Off home we all went to our Sunday dinner. Happy with the convincing win.

Only on reflection it felt like something had been missing - like that Sunday dinner with a fine piece of meat... but no roast potatoes. Good, but ultimately not entirely what the punters were hoping for.

The problem was that each pack was down to five players, and the scrums were uncontested. The game as a result lacked an intensity that our boys will undoubtedly face in upcoming contests. While the wide open spaces were meat and drink to our backs, it felt as though our tight five forwards were left hungry for something more substantial.

On the plus side we did see some attractive rugby, with good ball handling along the backs to complement fine individual moments. Let’s aim to take that form into the rest of our matches in the group.

Man of the match goes to Archie, not just for his tries, but for some impressive defensive work too.

Thanks to Nick and their coach for reffing – it must have been hard work keeping up with play!

Hamish