Clifton headed home from the East Midlands with try and losing bonus points sufficient to see them remain secure in the league’s third place. Close rivals Exeter University went down at Camborne and will visit Station Road next weekend in what should prove an exciting afternoon’s entertainment.

The lead see sawed in this clash with the students who included Sami Hamid a former Clifton Junior and Bristol Bears Academy member with strong Clifton family ties testing his loyalty. An injury prevented brother Zak opposing him.

Clifton took the initial advantage to open up a fourteen point lead courtesy of tries from back rower Rob Nixon and scrum half Mitch Spencer both converted by Luke Cozens

However a twenty minutes blitz by their hosts resulted in three tries and them gaining the lead. After the break Clifton hit back with some style when Will Joyce crossed with Cozens converting before the students added a converted try.

Clifton levelled the scores when AJ Kilbane raised spirits by going over . In the third quarter the home team established a fourteen point lead with two converted efforts.

Clifton were still pushing all the way and centre Alex Howman ensured a nervy ending when he sped over for Cozens to add the extras and be rewarded with a losing bonus point.

Luke Cozens, as player coach, has stated that this has been regarded as a development year for his team. There is a great spirit in this squad which is currently missing several established members through injury The encouragement comes from so many younger players seizing the opportunities to take their places in the starting line up and show themselves more than capable of performing at this level.

This blend of experience with youthful energy is presenting the club with a solid platform to compete in this challenging national league

Roger Opie

Photo (Clifton Sausage man of The Match, Rob Nixon)