Midsomer Norton v Clifton

Well, I think the phrase goes along the lines of “a win’s a win” !

The team arrived at a wet and windy Midsomer Norton for the latest cup match in the Bristol Combination Cup. We knew it would be a tough test and by God it lived up to its billing.

It felt like we had more pressure put upon us in the first 10 minutes of the game than we had all season. Their physical pack made it very difficult for us to win clean ball at the ruck, but despite this we had 3 excellent opportunities to score in the first 10 minutes but the eagerness to score resulted in our players not passing despite heavy numerical overlaps, giving a poor pass or a dropped catch just metres from the line. However, following a series of rolling rucks we managed to get to the opposition’s 5 metre line and the ball was popped to Big Ben Clarke who smashed his way over the line with four of the Midsomer Norton players hanging on to him. Heroic stuff Ben.

A couple of minutes later, Sam Read went on one of his characteristic runs and seemed to go over the line - but not according to the referee.

0 : 5 at half time.

Early in the second half, Midsomer Norton got their only try of the game. Their strong scrum-half sneaked around the blind side of a ruck on the half way line and managed to go the rest of way to the try line. They slotted the conversion to make it 7:5. This was the first time that we had been behind all season.

The next 10 minutes seemed to be an almighty arm wrestle with huge commitment from both teams. This was epitomised by Hugo who bravely put his body on the line to win a ruck near the opposition’s try line. Unfortunately, Hugo took a knock to his head and although he was fine, we decided to take him off for some ice treatment.

We then went into attack mode once more, but spilled the ball again with the try line beckoning just a metre away. Then after a few very good attacking phases from the opposition we found ourselves camped on our own try line with just 2 minutes to go. Time for some legendary Clifton spirit once more …

The opposition attempted to do a driving maul to get over the try line, but were pushed back 15 metres by our heroic forwards. They somehow managed to get the ball back and launch another attack which resulted in a ruck, which I’m glad I only witnessed from the touchline. Unbelievable will to win saw our forwards turn the ball over and get the ball out to the backs who made huge ground into the midfield until they were able to release Dom. I often think that Dom has wheels attached to his feet because it looks as though he just glides over the ground, but who cares how he does it because it works. He dug deep after a huge game of rugby, fended off several tacklers and glided 45 metres and over the line within kicking range for Matt Jones who tapped the conversion over.

The final score line finished 7 : 12 to Clifton.

Given that this was the hardest opposition we have had for a very long time, the boys managed to pull off a great victory. But there is much to improve upon, particularly our decision making and composure in the red zone. Fortunately, we have training sessions on Wednesday and Sunday this week, where the coaches will be looking to develop the players in a number of areas.

Thanks to the referee and to Midsomer Norton (players and coaches) for their hospitality and sportsmanship. This is the sort of game from which both teams benefit and, having never played Midsomer Norton before, we intend to make sure we play them next season.

Cheers

Gary