CLIFTON Rugby Club enjoyed a highly successful autumn period which culminated in them being placed in the top three clubs in English Rugby’s National League West.
Four successive victories were achieved through highly entertaining open rugby resulting in twenty-eight tries being touched down in those games.
The fourth win came against traditional Westcountry rivals Taunton. After that win head coach Luke Cozens recognised the team’s development in recent games. The momentum generated has been evident through a strong defence, committed tackling, an impressive line out showing and strong running across the back division. Centres Will Owen and Matty Smith have made dents in opponent’s defences with wingers Zak Hamid and AJ Kilbane running in tries as a result.
Full back Luke Daniels and fly half Tom Quinlan have created spaces for the runners with quick thinking scrum half Mitch Spencer with 200 first games ever ready to exploit opportunities. Quinlan has topped off scores with fine goal kicking.
The forwards have been solid in scrums and line outs as well as running hard in loose play. Jake Holcombe has been outstanding in the back row of the scrum where competition for places will now be intense with the return from injury of club captain Henry Harper and Brad Talbot.
The win at Redruth with forty-five points posted was more than satisfying at a venue with its notorious hell fire corner and partisan crowd. This performance required composure alongside a growing confidence within a settled team demonstrating solid combinations of play.
Within the club the second-string side the Wanderers is placed in the leading clubs in the Counties One League with many men capable of stepping up to national league rugby. A typical product is young lock forward Dan Owen who is pushing hard for a first team place to emulate his brother Joe , a Clifton player, now featuring in Bristol Bears line-ups.
Players of all abilities are welcomed at Clifton which has a track record of developing players who advance to Premiership clubs and several reach international teams. The third fifteen, known as the Misfits, welcomes players with ambition either to progress to a higher level in the game or simply enjoy the club’s active social scene.
The final home game before Christmas will be on Saturday December 14 with a 14.30 kick off at Cribbs Causeway. Ahead of that Clifton face a tough away game with league leaders Camborne.
Roger Opie