Clifton’s October league visit to Bournville saw them deliver a spectacular performance by running in ten tries. The game was played in ideal conditions which were made for a Clifton line up full of pace.
Team captain Zak Hamid set an outstanding example from the outset as five minutes into the game a well taken line out led to a rapid cross field move with him crossing the line. Later in the game his power and speed led to two more tries to complete his hat trick.
Centre and Clifton Sausage man of the match Dylan Power touched down twice in a clinical period in the second half when five tries were added to Clifton’s total within a ten-minute blitz. With fly half Tom Quinlan converting nine of his team’s tries in an eighteen point haul the final total became sixty-eight.
The Bournville chocolate men’s resistance did melt at times, but they played their part as the game moved into its exhibition phase. The five points from this game cemented the lavender and blacks in a small cluster of teams at the top of the table with five wins out of six and chasing undefeated Redruth in first place.
Clifton’s only reversal had come in a reversal at Luctonians in Herefordshire. This was a strange encounter in which they dominated field position for long periods but were unable to penetrate a stubborn defence. On the day Clifton were the better rugby team but their opponents broke away to score two crucial tries.
A home victory over Loughborough Students came in a closely fought spirited match with the energetic students in contention until late in the game. Outstanding in defence and attack for Clifton was flanker Brad Talbot with two tries. One came from a thirty-metre powerful run to the line shrugging off defenders on his way.
During November Clifton will face some stern tests culminating in an away trip to old rivals Taunton on the14th and a home match the following Saturday when current table toppers Redruth will be the visitors. Over the decades these two long established traditional clubs share a deep mutual respect.
Much of the club’s current run of form is due to the strength in depth of players. The club’s second team the Wanderers and the thirds known as the Misfits have started the season well and remain undefeated as October evolves. Their high try scoring games speak volumes for the type of fast open rugby the coaches encourage.
Roger Opie