CLIFTON emerged from the festive break with the satisfaction of a track record of eight successive victories to place them in joint second place in the league table.
The final game of 2024 saw them face gale force conditions at Old Redcliffians. They managed the elements well to secure a solid win with forwards and backs adapting their play to keep hold of the ball under challenging conditions.
Much of the success of this team is based on being a settled unit in recent weeks under the coaching of Director of Rugby Matt Salter and Head Coach Luke Cozens.
An early block of fixtures in 2025 presents no room for complacency as the first four fixtures sees the club facing all other top teams. First up was the home fixture against Luctonians, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season and, although not a spectacular rugby playing team , can be relied upon to have the best defence in the league which is difficult to penetrate.
Following the Lucs encounter Clifton were due to visit Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, then face Hinckley at home and undertake the long trip to league leaders Camborne in West Cornwall for a game re-arranged from earlier storm postponements.
Against Luctonians Clifton had to overcome a slow start when they trailed their visitors by twelve points until just before half time. However, their strong resolve and self belief saw them wear down the opposition’ s solid defence and win the game by sixteen points to twelve. Momentum shifted in their favour with persistent incursions into the visitor’s territory resulting initially in a try for flanker Jay Evans and a further touch down by centre Matty Smith. A tiring defence conceded two penalties for Ollie Milner to kick two penalties to see the lavender and black men home.
This placed the club in second place. Much of the recent 1St XV success can be attributed to the depth of players in the wider squad capable of performing at national league level. The current strength of the 2nd XV, the Wanderers, is important. They are positioned second in the Counties 1 League above the second teams of other national league teams and the first teams of other local clubs. Over half of their team are constantly pushing for first team opportunities.
Former stalwarts faced each other in a European Cup match. Joe Owen for the Bears and Andy Uren for Italy’s Benetton .
Roger Opie