It’s the changing of the guard at Clifton Rugby Club as John Raine passes on the post of president to Richard Clifton after giving outstanding service over fourteen years, including travelling thousands of miles across the country following the team to away fixtures.
John joined the club in 1966 as a promising young prop forward and quickly found himself thrust into the 1st XV to face Bristol at the Memorial Ground He remembers a drawn game against Gloucester and a Boxing Day victory at Bath. His favourite memory was a narrow loss to Sale in the national John Player Cup competition and other memories include being in one of the first teams to tour the USA and eventually touring overseas with Clifton RATS XV
John said:”It has been a profound privilege and honour to serve Clifton as president for fourteen years and since joining I’ve seen changes including the launching of the successful mini and junior section and the move to Cribbs Causeway with enhanced facilities and more pitches.”
Richard lived near the old Eastfield Road ground in Westbury and as a small boy used to “help” the groundsman on Saturday mornings before, as a 12 year old, becoming the 1st XV touch judge, to the intrigue of referees. As a teenager, he experienced club tours to Bordeaux and Milan before pulling his boots on and getting on the pitch.
Time away from Bristol brought him back to live a short walk from the “new” set up at Cribbs Causeway, where he soon integrated himself into club roles including trusteeship.
Both John and Richard share strong memories of past highlights including the club appearing in the high scoring final of the Rugby Football Union’s Intermediate Cup at Twickenham . A play off winning game at Richmond moved the club into national leagues
Richard commented: “It is an honour to be elected as president of this great rugby club. My association is lifelong.”
League action kicks off with an away match at Exeter University on 7 September. There are a number of pre-season matches at Cribbs Causeway
17 August at 12 noon a memorial game in aid of the PROPS charity Clifton Invitational XV v PROPS Barbarians to remember former club character and sponsor Neil Maddocks followed by Clifton 1st XV v Narbeth from West Wales at 1500.
22 August 1St XV v Dings Crusaders at 1930.
31 August at 1500 1st XV v Ebbw Vale
Roger Opie