On a heavy pitch both teams showed a commitment to run the ball from the kick off in setting the scene for an afternoon of exciting open play.

It was the visitors who took advantage of opportunities in the first half to score three converted tries and lead by eleven points at half time.

Coach Luke Cozen’s half time stirring team talk with words like character, desire to win, belief in themselves and striving to succeed were resonating in the ears of the Clifton team as they emerged for the second period.

The second half was very much a strong response from the Clifton men.

It was Clifton who opened proceedings early in the game when a forward drive sent skipper Dan Broady over. Their visitors countered immediately though, when lively full back Jamie Dutton found a space in midfield to score with Rory Vowles adding the first of three successful conversions.

A kick ahead into Clifton’s expansive in-goal area allowed centre Mitchell Lamb to speed in.
To add to the lead just before half time, flanker Reuben Logan also crossed.

Clifton’s fight back started before the break when full back Alex Howman and winger AJ Kilbane presented winger Tom Ormsby with the chance to position Clifton as challengers for the first time. The momentum continued to build in the second period, when centre Will Owen, a constant threat with strong runs, found the space to power across with fly half Nathan Chamberlain adding the first of three conversions to narrow the gap.

Swift passing sent Tom Ormsby in for his second and put the lavender and blacks ahead again, and gain the try bonus point .Hinckley exerted strong pressure on the Clifton line but the strong defence forced errors from the Leicestershire men to prevent a score.

To add to the resurgence, flanker Rob Nixon burst through for the final home team score to cap a fine second half to leap frog over Hinckley in the table.

Equal on points with Exeter University RFC in 3rd place in the league, Clifton travel to Dudley Kingswinford next Saturday; the team will hope to build on a hard fought win and cement their place in the top three.

Story: Roger Opie
Photographs: Ian Clark (Tom Ormsby scores his second)