Clifton’s successful four match unbeaten run was brought to an end in early December on a windswept afternoon at Cribbs Causeway by a combination of their unusual high number of unenforced errors and a lively Tonbridge Juddians team from Kent.
The highlights of the winning run were the defeat of the then league leaders Rosslyn Park and perhaps more importantly a fine victory over local rivals Dings Crusaders to secure the local Bristol bragging rights. The points pushed Clifton into a mid table position in their first season for thirty years playing at this level.
DINGS CRUSADERS 24 – 35 CLIFTON
Clifton produced one of their most complete performances of the season to beat Dings Crusaders 35–24,
Derbies against Dings are never gentle affairs, and this one began at full throttle. The hosts grabbed the early initiative after just three minutes when a loose, skidding ball bounced perfectly for Stanley to touch down. Clifton, though, showed no panic. Straight from the restart they settled, built phases, and struck back with real authority. Brad Talbot thundered onto a short ball, cutting clean through the line to score under the posts, and James McKinney levelled things with the conversion.
Ding’s maul earned them a penalty try moments later, but Clifton were beginning to enjoy themselves. On 17 minutes, the catch-and-drive unit delivered the perfect counterpunch as Freddie Myatt controlled the surge to score. The next 20 minutes were a fierce contest of territory and discipline. Clifton’s reward came on 37 minutes when Andersen finished a patient, multi-phase attack to give the visitors a 21–12 lead.
Dings kept the scoreboard tight with another maul try from Bennett on the stroke of half-time, setting up a tense second half at 21–17.
Clifton were twice held up over the line, but the pressure eventually broke the dam. Andersen dotted down his second on 54 minutes stretching the lead to 28–17.
The game’s outstanding attacking moment arrived on 72 minutes when Will Owen sliced straight through the Dings midfield to race in for Clifton’s fifth try — the lavender-and-black faithful behind the posts erupting as McKinney added his fifth straight conversion to complete a fine win.
During January Clifton will seek to further consolidate their standing in National League One with their distinctive brand of attacking rugby
10 January Rotherham away
17 January Sedgely Park home 1500
24 January Sale away
31 January Leeds home 1500
Roger Opie