On a wet and windswept autumn afternoon, Clifton Under 15s delivered another statement performance, overcoming difficult conditions and a sizeable Weston super Mare pack to record a 40 to 14 victory. Playing into a swirling first half wind and handling a slippery ball, this was a true test of control, patience and physicality, one that Clifton passed with confidence.

From the opening exchanges it was clear the forwards would set the tone. The first of thirteen scrums came early and Clifton immediately imposed themselves, their experienced front five holding firm and winning clean ball despite the conditions. In open play they showed equal intent, with Finnian Morgan announcing Clifton’s arrival with a crunching tackle that reverberated around the ground.

The breakthrough came quickly. After a series of controlled phases, Kledion Dushaj powered over the line for the opening try. Fly half Josh Richardson struck the conversion sweetly into the wind for seven points to nil. Moments later, strong work down the wing by Zach Hingston opened space for Martin Villabona to drive through and score Clifton’s second. Josh again converted and the visitors were fourteen points to nil ahead inside ten minutes.

Weston responded well, building patiently through the phases before crossing for a converted try to close the gap to fourteen points to seven. Clifton though remained in control. Full back Ollie Hobson, ever composed under pressure, produced a moment of brilliance worthy of the conditions by juggling a spiralling high ball between hands and feet before claiming it cleanly. One Weston player shouted from the sideline asking if that lad played for Bristol Bears and Bristol City. Moments later, Hobson underlined his class with a try of his own. The conversion drifted wide, but Clifton now led nineteen points to seven.

Defence was again tested as Weston countered through their quick wingers, only for Harry Searle to chase down Westons "fastest player" and produce a sensational tap tackle to stop a certain score. Weston did manage a second converted try just before the interval, narrowing the margin to nineteen points to fourteen at half time.

With the wind now at their backs, Clifton began the second half in control. Hooker Will Pape entered the fray and immediately made his mark, crashing over the line within two minutes. Josh used the breeze perfectly to convert for twenty six points to fourteen. The pressure continued as flanker Tommy Garner, having another excellent all round game, deservedly added a try of his own, again converted by Josh to make it thirty three points to fourteen.

By now Weston were tiring under Clifton’s relentless tempo. The decisive blow came when winger Dexter McVeigh, having worked tirelessly all game in defence, got his moment in attack. Beating two defenders, he sprinted clear for a classic finisher’s try. Josh converted once more to stretch the score to forty points to fourteen. The referee called time shortly after an unfortunate injury to Harry, bringing an early end to a match that Clifton had completely controlled.

Clifton’s ability to adapt to the weather and maintain composure under pressure was impressive. The forwards dominated the set piece once again, with scrum half Samuel Wilson marshalling play superbly from the base. It was a complete team performance built on physical dominance, defensive steel and smart game management.

Weekly Awards
Man of Steele; Harry Searle for fearless defence and a superb try saving tap tackle
Workhorse; Kledion Dushaj for relentless carrying, physical rucking and a crucial opening try
Team Player; Samuel Wilson for outstanding control, organisation and leadership at scrum half