This was a tough assignment for Clifton against a team that many of the boys have played with at various schools, so plenty of bragging rights were at stake!

The game kicked off in a sun drenched Caswell Lane ground, with both sides putting down defensive and attacking markers in the first few minutes, with a number of unforced errors.

Eventually Clifton managed to establish some territory and possession in the Gordano 22 , and after several surges from the forwards notably Noah and Martin the ball was recycled and Harry made one of his characteristic strong runs a few metres out and crossed the whitewash. The conversion was successful from Josh giving Clifton a 0 to 7 lead.

This prompted an almost instant response from the home side, which was initially repelled by the superb Clifton defensive line - Thomas to the fore. Eventually they managed to work the ball into the right hand corner for a try with the conversion unsuccessful. Five minutes on the clock, 5 to 7 to Clifton.

The game was characterised over the next few minutes with strong runs and thunderous tackles from both sides trying to grapple to control the possesion. From a good attacking scrum on the 22, there was good pick up by Zach. Several recycles later and Martin then found himself in midfield with the tryline at his mercy and it seemed almost certain he would score under the posts. However great defence from Gordano repelled him. The ball was quickly recycled and Stan cantered in to the left hand corner for his first try of the game. The tricky out wide conversion was just missed by Josh.

Then ensued a frenetic part of the game. Lots of dark arts of what goes on in the breakdown and the referee's interpretation. Clifton were then penalised for holding on and then Gordano unsuccessfully kicked to the corner. The ball was then turned over several times. Henry and Max making hard yards and tackles respectively. Clifton suddenly broke and Stan sprinted to the right corner but was adjudged just short by the referee.

Still Clifton pressured the Gordano line. Big charges by Martin and Will went agonisingly close to the line but then a penalty to the opposition. Then the ball was won back and a strong run by Bertie. Finally the pressure from Clifton took its toll and Oli Corner sniped over for a try against his former club on the cusp of half time and the conversion just being missed making it 5 points to 17 points.

Half time brought fresh legs from the Clifton bench who added extra energy. Wilbur crashed over after two minutes into the second half. This was his first try for the black and lavenders and surely the start of many more to come. The conversion was missed bringing the score to 5 points to 22 in Clifton's favour.

Again Gordano responded as wave after wave of attack was scythed down by the Clifton defence. The back row of Max, Kleidon, and Matthew and the midfield of Benjy, Isaac and Oli Hobson kept the home team in check.

A scrappy part of the game ensued with both sides showing attacking intent but neither gave an inch which resulted in a number of penalties against each side.

Sam Wilson was showing some of his characteristic breaks from scrum half, making valuable yards. Matthew was also his industrial self by throwing himself around the field in attack cutting holes into the Gordano defence. Oli Hobson showed some deft foot work in heavy traffic to get Clifton on the attack.

Finally Clifton broke the deadlock and Stan sprints in for his second try after 11 minutes of the second half. Some fine build up play from the midfield of Benjy and Isaac created an overlap of players. The conversion was successful making it 5 points to 22.

Gordano would not lie down on their own their home ground and came at Clifton. The Clifton defence again stood firm and credit to them. There was a messy period of high tackle penalties and knock ons. Tensions were running high as this game meant a lot to both sides. The referee had a chat with both captains to keep a lid on proceedings.

Eventually Clifton worked Gordano left then right and another hard run by Harry on the wing this time into the 22 unleashed the back line who had numbers and Will crossed just to the left of the posts seconds before the full time whistle and the conversion was missed making a final score of 5 points to 34.

All in all a great performance from Clifton and to keep the spirited home side to just one try was most pleasing. Some opportunities were missed but can blame this on the noise of the M5 traffic cascading across the pitch as no one could hear Malcolm's cries of 'Hands, hands' let alone the player next to them!