An excellent game today, well supported and played in a good spirit by both teams. The weather also held off to allow some good running rugby.

Clifton came out strong from the kick off, initially securing and keeping the majority of possession and territory. The game however remained scoreless for almost 20 mins, with both sides showing great physicality in attack and defence. Against the run of play Chippenham scored the 1st try, despite some valiant scramble defence, and converted (0-7).

This sparked Clifton to move up a gear as they hit back with 2 quick tries. The 1st was an excellent finish by Sean Thomas to score in the corner, and the 2nd a characteristically strong run up the middle by Harry Searle, converted by Josh Richardson (12-7). These tries both came from strong forward play, slick handling and good all round team rugby, which was amazing to watch!

Clifton took this lead into the second half where the backs immediately started running the ball well. This unleashed Stan Cannings-Banks who switched on the afterburners and left the defence clutching at air as he scored in the corner. The Clifton forwards then decided it was their turn as they put in a huge shift, carrying and taking the game to Chippenham across the park. Martin Villabona set the standard for the season with his physical dominance and super work rate, and was unlucky not to score a brace!

This period of dominance paid off as Clifton then controlled much of the rest of the game. Harry Searle scored his second with a well finished outside break, midway through half. Clifton got quick ball from a turnover and shipped the ball to Benji Cox who saw a gap, went through it, and ran half the length of the pitch to finish under the posts. This was converted by Stan Cannings-Banks on the final whistle.

Two debutants also took the field for Clifton today, Tommy Garner and Alan Przekwasinski. A huge welcome to both who slotted into the team seamlessly and got stuck straight in.

With another good win under their belt, Clifton go to Keynsham next week in the Cup.

Tries: Thomas (1), Searle (2), Cannings-Banks (1), Cox (1)
Conversions: Richardson (1), Cannings-Banks (1)