Clifton v Old Pates

After our triumph in the Nando's Cup the previous week-end Clifton U13s travelled to Old Pates with some confidence for the quarter-final of the County Cup. We knew they were a good side and had heard they had a few useful runners, but we thought we might give them a run for their money.

And we did, but only for 5 minutes. After Ryley had caught the kick-off and made one of his typical barn-storming runs, Monty crashed over for the opening try. Matthew hit the post with his conversion. At this point things looked good, but thereafter it was all downhill.

Pates came straight back at us, using the slope well and keeping us under constant pressure. There was not much to choose between the forwards, and if anything we had the better of it. But it was a different story in the backs: whenever they had the ball they looked dangerous and whenever we had it they were up in our faces before we had a chance to do anything with it. One of their centres was over 6 feet tall and amazingly quick and scored 4 tries on his own. We had no answer, and the game finished 36-5.

Congratulations to Old Pates for the win and thanks to them for hosting us so well and playing in such a good spirit.