Clifton beat Wells in Cup

So, there's a long way to go, and of course we have to keep our feet on the ground... but we're on a cup run!! C'mon boys! Let's enjoy it while it lasts.

OK, let's get back down to earth.

Clifton under-13s put in an excellent performance to defeat Wells 42-0 away from home.

I might be prone to a bit of exaggeration as I write this (celebrating with a drop of cider as I am), but that has set a high bench mark in terms of complete performances.

Wells fought bravely, but our scrum was dominant and gave us plenty of good ball which the backs moved down the line confidently on many occasions.

There were also a number of fine individual breaks, from Sam, Hugo and Matthew in particular. But all the backs made good contributions, with fine handling and great work at the breakdown when called upon.

As for the forwards, the breakdown work was outstanding. They provided a stream of top quality ball for the backs with driving rucks and mauls - and what caught the eye in the second half were the pick and drive surges with Ben, Riley and Louis prominent.

But this was truly a victory for the whole squad. Everyone played their part, whether it was brave defence or keeping the ball alive in attack.

The try scorers were Elliott, Dominic with two, Mattthew, Herbie, Sam (Read), Hugo and Alex. Matt knocked over a conversion.

We as coaches were a little bit undecided on man of the match because there were so many many excellent performances.

However, as writer of the report I get special licence and name our new fly-half Hugo as man of the match. He managed the game expertly and ensured that the forwards' hard-won possession was used in the best way.

Thanks to our boys' parents for their support. I'm sure it lifts them - and it lifts the coaches, too.

Dr John has to take special mention. He cried out "tackle him, tackle him" as a Wells player ran with the ball, then after he passed it he shouted "tackle him anyway". Genius if highly illegal.

Thanks, too, to Wells whose players never gave up the cause and their coaches were generous in defeat.

Finally, thank you to the referee, who from the pre-game talk to the players to the way he controlled the whole match was of the highest order.

Hamish