The mid-October eight-try demolition of Devonport Services provided Clifton rugby with a confidence boost following a couple of results which had not gone their way through some unnecessary errors – sometimes brought about by their adventurous, free-flowing style of play.
Established players Marcus Nel and AJ Kilbane both crossed the line twice in the win with new recruit Toby Hutchinson being named the Clifton Sausage man of the match. Hutchinson has joined a group of new players this season with impressive number eight forward Niall Gibbons returning to the fold.
A September start saw an exciting drawn game at Exeter University followed by a home win against local rivals Old Redcliffians and two disappointing defeats on the road. Injuries to club captain Henry Harper and Brad Talbot have prevented them from appearing.
In the run-up to Christmas home fixtures at Cribbs Causeway with 1430 kick offs include Taunton on 9 November, Hornets on 23 November and Bournville on 14 December.
Such are the vagaries of the geographical knowledge in those of the national rugby game at Twickenham HQ that Clifton’s National 2 West league contains teams from Cheshire in the North West to Camborne and Redruth in the deep South West, whose away fixtures feature some 720 miles round trips and overnight stays. Budgets are therefore stretched and players mainly with full time jobs and family commitments give much time to their clubs. Clubs frequently request re-structuring of the league system!
On a bright note, the second string side the Wanderers are riding high in the Counties league where they face many clubs who not too long ago were regular 1st XV fixtures.
Off pitch the club’s commercial manager Alison Harvey has secured some impressive sponsorship partnerships including new sponsor Lunar Optical from Clifton Village who join other local businesses and individuals in taking out a pitch side signboard. Player sponsorship is thriving and other opportunities still exist. The club’s function room is available for family and business functions as is the club’s car park to aid commuting into town on local buses. Contact alisonharvey @cliftonrugby.co.uk
On a sad note, Roger Harper, who served as a Vice President , Honorary Secretary for many years and a keen player has recently passed on. Roger’s family will be holding a celebration event of his life at the club with details to be announced.
Roger Opie