With a batch of new signings Clifton Rugby Club made an encouraging start to the new campaign with an impressive performance away to Cinderford in the Forest of Dean and at home in a tough local derby against Old Redcliffians.
These two bonus points wins endorsed the preparation by the coaching team and gave spectators an opportunity to positively assess new players.
The Cinderford win featured high tempo running by the backs in the second half and a pack that more than held their own against a club known for forward power. Centres Harry Johnson and Harry Tovey made serious dents in the home defences. The sunshine and firm all-weather pitch presented ideal conditions for the second half recovery.
Crowd favourite Brad Talbot powered over early on and Tovey crossed to counter two Cinderford efforts, and it was 12-12 on the scoreboard before the Forest men opened up a 24-12 lead.
The second half belonged to Clifton who scored five more tries with fly half Tom Quinlan striking conversions and a penalty in a 48-point victory.
The Old Reds game in front of a large crowd of partisan supporters provided high level entertainment. Clifton pulled off a hard-fought victory against tenacious opponents and ran out 35-26 victors in scoring five tries. The boot of Quinlan was again a factor with all tries converted in tricky windy conditions.
Clifton Sausage Man of the Match skipper Tom Anderson led his team admirably through example and commitment. He burrowed over for a try with other scores from lock Toby Hutchinson who charged over, winger Zak Hamid who weaved to the line, centre Dylan Power running a great line and flanker Jack Grundy taking advantage of a quickly taken penalty.
Clifton will be watching the progress of other teams in this competitive league as the autumn unfolds with Luctonians currently looking to be on good form.
Four products of Clifton’s long established Mini and Junior section featured in Bristol Bears opening match. George Taylor, Jimmy Halliwell, Paddy Pearce and Ollie Harris were joined in their team’s second outgoing by Joe Owen who playing career developed in the Clifton 1st XV. JJ
The M&J section is in action on Sunday morning with new players welcome. Detail can be found on the club website.
October 3: Loughborough Students ( h)
October 10: Bournville (a)
October 17: Devonport Services (h)
October 31: Barnstaple (a)
Roger Opie