On a bright sunny day at Station Road, Clifton hosted Winscombe in an eagerly anticipated cup fixture. The visitors kicked off with a high ball into the sun, a tactic they would use throughout the match to test Clifton’s handling. The opening ten minutes were scrappy, although Clifton enjoyed the better of possession, stringing together some well executed phases and gaining territory. Despite the perfect conditions, both sides were guilty of early knock ons, leading to four scrums in the first ten minutes alone.

Clifton once again showed their strength in this department, dominating through their formidable front row of Henry Bogan, Martin Villabona and captain for the day, Will Pape. Their control at the set piece provided a strong platform for attack, and it was from this structure that Clifton opened the scoring. Following a period of patient build up, Pape drove over in the corner to break the deadlock. Josh Richardson’s conversion from the touchline drifted wide, leaving the score at five points to nil.

The next ten minutes continued in similar fashion, with both teams struggling to establish rhythm. Handling errors remained high and the scrums continued to mount, seventeen in total across the game. As the half wore on, Winscombe began to find their footing and took advantage of some loose Clifton defence to score twice, one try successfully converted. Clifton had chances late in the half to move the ball wide but could not quite turn pressure into points. As the referee brought the first period to a close, Winscombe led by twelve points to five.

Clifton began the second half with renewed energy and were soon level. From deep in their own half, Matthew Wiacek broke clear and sprinted away to score a fine solo try. Richardson’s conversion sailed straight between the posts to make it twelve points apiece and bring the match to life. The backs continued to work hard defensively, with some brave tackling from Dexter McVeigh and a superb try saving effort from new signing Kingsley Sun keeping Clifton in contention.

Winscombe then regained the lead with an unconverted breakaway try out wide, moving ahead seventeen points to twelve. Clifton kept battling, winning good ball through their forwards, but struggled to turn possession into clear attacking opportunities. As fatigue began to set in, Winscombe struck again, this time breaking through under the posts. The simple conversion extended their advantage to twenty four points to twelve.

In the closing minutes Clifton threw everything into attack, winning a scrum deep in Winscombe territory, but the visitors held firm to secure victory and a place in the next round of the cup against Saracens.

Although the result did not go Clifton’s way, there were genuine opportunities to win, and the clear disappointment of the boys at the final whistle showed they knew much of the game had been within their control. This match was a reminder that when pressure builds and points are against us, the answer must come from within, from each player taking personal ownership, trusting their own execution, and staying connected as a team rather than looking to others, whether in blame or for inspiration. Real progress comes when every player focuses first on their own discipline, contribution and consistency, knowing that collective strength is built on individual accountability.

A tough defeat to Keynsham last year became the spark that drove Clifton to win the Plate. Let us hope this experience provides the same steel for the journey ahead this season.

Weekly Awards

Team Player William Pape for leading from the front and scoring Clifton’s opening try
Workhorse Thomas Hargreaves for tireless work around the breakdown and defensive graft
Man of Steele Dexter McVeigh for physical presence and committed tackling throughout