Super 8s

While their team mates were off on Cup business, 8 of the Clifton team went to Keynsham to honour a club commitment and take part in Keynsham RFC's Super 8 tournament.

Thankfully, Keynsham showed how great the rugby family can be and lent us 8 players and two coaches allowing the "Clifton Barbarians" to take to the field in Keynsham colours, as we didn't have enough spare shirts.

At first we all feared the worst as when asked their positions we seemed to have 11 wingers and one forward ! However, sanity was imposed and the Clifton Ba Ba's played all three of their pool games (vs Clevedon, Winscombe and Southmead) with the spirit, gamesmanship and skill we would all hope our kids to show, even though they suffered three straight defeats.

Just think Scotland (up until today) - some amazing periods of play and outstanding runs and tries, but never quite enough to win !

The greatest shock to the watching parents was that between games, the old habits of lounging around and getting up to mischief, were replaced by the boys, without adult encouragement, getting up, working out plays and positions. Maybe the sunshine had something to do with it, but it was a great display of maturity from both Clifton and Keynsham lads.

Although tired, they went into their semi-final vs Wells with their tails up, but were defeated again. However, all the boys agreed they had enjoyed themselves, they had got on together with their Keynsham teammates brilliantly and never had a cross word with each other during the games . Everyone agreed that given another day together, they would have been a winning side.

So although not victorious on the pitch, the Clifton Ba Ba's did their clubs proud and demonstrated the Rugby values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.

Player of the Tournament award has to go to Will Rich who not only played for the Ba Ba's, but also for Bath, who were short of a player. Thankfully, when asked where he lived, his Mum (also providing Doc duties) replied "On the Clifton side of Bristol " A close second goes to the Keynsham player Bill, who captained the side excellently and actually knew our players names by the second game !

Paul