Frampton Cotterell 24 Clifton 33

First Quarter Frampton Fly Out of the Blocks

Frampton started with real intent, determined to avenge last season’s defeat. Spurred on by a noisy home crowd they crashed over for an early unconverted try and soon doubled their lead with a converted score. At 12-0 down Clifton were under pressure in a game played at ferocious pace, where both sides struggled with handling errors. For Clifton it felt a little rusty, with attacking opportunities being created but not finished off.

Even so, the forwards were working hard to steady the ship. Clifton’s stronger front row, including Martin Villabona who was putting in the hard yards, began to assert themselves in the scrums. Finnian Morgan used his size and power to keep pushing Frampton backwards. From one of these scrums Zach Hingston ran a good line with a classic pick and go, making valuable yards into the Frampton half before the move was cut short by turnover ball.

Second Quarter Clifton Regroup

The visitors used the break in play to regroup, drawing on captain Bertie Skidmore’s leadership and guidance from the coaches. The renewed focus was clear. Scrum half Samuel Wilson lifted the team’s intensity with a series of strong tackles that broke up Frampton’s phases and reminded the hosts they still had a game on their hands.

Clifton were now creating genuine chances. Their attacking phases pulled the home defence from side to side, though opportunities went begging with passes just falling short. Then came the breakthrough. After strong running had sucked in the defence the ball was worked wide with precision. On the overlap Dexter McVeigh burst down the left wing, cut inside and touched down near the posts. Joshua Richardson converted and Clifton went into half time trailing 12-7 but firmly back in the contest.

Third Quarter Momentum Shifts

Clifton carried that confidence into the second half. Tireless forward Thomas Hargreaves, who had been covering every blade of grass, was rewarded for his relentless effort with a try converted by replacement fly half Stan Cannings Banks putting Clifton ahead 14-12.

The visitors extended their lead further through a moment of individual brilliance. Deep in his own half Matthew Wiacek spotted space and charged through, outpacing the defence to score under the posts. Stan converted and Clifton led 21-12. Frampton hit back with a converted try to close the gap, but Clifton’s full back, the outstanding Ollie Hobson, consistently denied them with impeccable positioning and a series of vital one on one tackles.

Final Quarter Nerve and Steel

With both sides reduced to fourteen after a double sending off, Clifton once again turned to their captain. Skidmore powered over for another try, though the conversion went wide, extending the lead to 26-19. Frampton responded with a well worked score in the corner, but the difficult kick missed, leaving the score delicately poised at 26-24.

The final quarter became increasingly scrappy at the breakdown, with neither side willing to give an inch. It required every Clifton player to put their body on the line, meeting Frampton’s physicality with equal commitment. Then came the decisive moment. After another well worked set of phases Clifton finally produced the crisp passing that had eluded them earlier. The ball was shifted wide with precision, creating the overlap, and Hobson struck again to finish superbly in the corner. Cannings Banks converted to stretch the lead to 33-24.

Even then Frampton pressed hard, keeping Clifton under constant pressure around the ruck. In the final play Oli C who had been absorbing that pressure all game finally drew the deserved penalty for offside. This allowed Clifton to clear their lines and close out the match with a controlled lineout and kick to touch. It was a fitting end that showed resilience, discipline and courage securing a memorable victory.

Player Awards
Man of Steele: Ollie Hobson flawless under pressure, dependable in defence and decisive in attack
Workhorse: Thomas Hargreaves relentless across the park, his energy setting the tone for the team
Values Award: Bertie Skidmore leading by example, showing true team spirit on and off the field

Clifton showed both resilience and creativity. Though chances went begging with final passes in the first half, their persistence paid off as attacking phases began to click. Hobson's try being the clearest example, with strong running drawing defenders before striking on the overlap. The final quarter demanded pure physicality, and Clifton delivered, sealing the win with real grit and strength of character.