Clifton v Chippenham

Despite a narrow defeat against Chippenham on Sunday we eventually saw glimpses of a return to form after a difficult start to the season.
In the first half we looked out of sorts in defence and lacking continuity in attack, and the 21-7 lead for the visitors was a fair reflection of how the game had gone.
But the boys pulled together after what could be described as a "sobering" first half and then turned the game on its head.
We outscored Chippenham 19-7 in the second half, with only a missed conversion separating the teams at the final whistle - 26-28.
In fact we unfortunately gifted Chippenham their only score in the second half with an interception when we were in a good attacking position ourselves.
However we grew in confidence and looked threatening almost every time we had the ball, while our defence improved and shut out Chippenham despite the fact we were down to 14 men during a sin-binning.
Forwards and backs combined for our tries in much the same way as when at our most effective last season.
Another few minutes and it looked likely we would score again and snatch the win, so we can take plenty of confidence from the game with cup matches ahead.
For the record, the players who got on the end of good attacks to score the tries were Tom Sims, Ryley, Sam C and Sam R.
In fairness Ryley's try was more of a solo effort: he picked up from the base of a ruck and in what some might harshly say was a surprising moment of quick-thinking he spotted the blindside was undefended and sprinted 50 metres down the touchline for a great score.
Elliott and Finn kicked the conversions well, with the only miss being a difficult attempt that was well struck but just went wide.
It's great to see some of our players coming back to the squad from injury. However, sadly, Elliott suffered a leg fracture on Sunday so we wish him well with his recovery.
Hopefully we'll have all our squad fully fit again (bar Elliott of course who could be in plaster for up to eight weeks) in time for the start of the Combination Cup in a few weeks' time.

Hamish