Clifton started the match playing uphill on a perfect morning for rugby, on a pitch that had dried up well following heavy rain the day before. The first scrum was awarded after 2 mins, and it was clear that this was an area of the game that Clifton could be dominant with their well drilled pack and physical front row. After only 3 mins, Dexter McVeigh scored an interception try by intelligently reading the Broad Plain game play, which was neatly converted by Josh Richardson.

It was soon apparent that Clifton's well-trained defence was going to be critical to the match outcome, with Broad Plain struggling to play against a team where every opposition player was committed to making big hits in the rucks, mauls and open play. This helped to nullify their fast wingers and strong number 13, whilst also helping to create some gaps for Clifton to attack.

Clifton's hard work was rewarded with an excellent try for Harry Searle, which was again slotted between the sticks by Josh to give the visitors a 14-point lead. Broad Plain responded with a well worked try of their own, which they failed to convert, making it 14 points to 5 for Clifton.

Clifton's forwards continued to dominate the game, working well through the phases to help create another try for Dexter after Zach Hingston found a big open space in the Broad Plain corner. Josh stepped up again to give Clifton another 2 points, making the score 21 points to 5 with 5 mins of the half still to go. The backs were also putting in a good defensive shift with Ollie Hobson, Tommy Garner and Stan Cannings-Banks all making important tackles to keep the Broad Plain attack at bay. Matthew Wiacek, Bertie Skidmore, Thomas Hargreaves and Martin Villabona all managed to punch some holes in the Broad Plain defence, who were now starting to tire with the continual pressure being created by Clifton. Harry eventually found a gap and, with some strong running, scored his second try which Josh only narrowly failed to convert.

As half time approached, Josh picked up a nasty knee injury which unfortunately finished his match for the day and also signified the end of the first half with the Clifton leading 26 points to 5.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with Clifton conscious not to let their significant lead slip as they had done earlier in the season against Keynsham. The captain for the day, William Pape, was doing an excellent job rallying his troops to keep them focused and organised. This organisation helped to create another try for Harry, his third of the day, which was converted by Stan who had replaced Josh at 10 with the score now 33 to 5.

Henry Bogan and Kledion Dushaj were both making themselves a nuisance by making some great carries, gaining valuable yards in the Broad Plain half. The physicality of the game was now leading to a number of injuries with Noah Matthews, who had put in an excellent shift, being replaced following a bang to the head. Samuel Wilson was now playing at scrum half, following an injury to Oli Corner, and put in an excellent defensive tackle to stop a Broad Plain attack dead in its tracks. Benjy Cox was also making a difference in the midfield, with some strong runs helping to create some gaps for his teammates which eventually helped to release Harry to score his 4th try of the day, with the dependable Stan stepping up to convert. With only a few minutes of the game left Broad Plain launched one last attack, which resulted in their 2nd try. The missed conversion was followed by the full-time whistle and a fantastic victory for Clifton.

This was Clifton's best performance of the season dominating in all areas of the game. It was also an excellent example of how a strong defence can help win games.

Bristol & District Junior Combination U14s Plate 2024/5 scheduled for March 16th at Old Redcliffians RFC, KO 12.00

Report courtesy of Rob Hingston.