Clifton 1st XV produced a clinical second-half performance to secure a vital bonus-point win away to Hornets in a pulsating National League 2 West fixture.

Trailing at half-time and under pressure from a physical Hornets side, Clifton responded with control, pace and precision in the final quarter to run out 36–24 winners — keeping themselves within striking distance of top-of-the-table Camborne.

Match Summary
It was Hornets who struck first, scoring after just nine minutes through Sheppard and adding the conversion to lead 7–0. Clifton replied swiftly, as back-rower Brad Talbot powered over to close the gap. Niall Gibbons then added a second for the visitors after a dominant spell, converted by Ollie Millner, giving Clifton a 12–7 advantage.

Hornets responded in kind with tries from Chenoweth and Baker, the latter converting his own score, to take a 19–12 lead into the break.

The second half, however, belonged to Clifton.

Matty Smith finished sharply to narrow the gap before centre Will Owen cut a superb line to reclaim the lead. Millner converted to make it 24–19.

Though Baker grabbed a second for Hornets to level the scores at 24–24, Clifton found another gear. Tries from Jay Evans and Marcus Nel, either side of a well-struck Quinlan conversion, ensured the visitors closed out the contest with confidence and flair.

Scorers
Clifton Tries: Talbot, Gibbons, Smith, Owen, Evans, Nel
Conversions: Millner (2), Quinlan (1)

Hornets Tries: Sheppard, Chenoweth, Baker (2)
Conversions: Carter (1), Baker (1)

Yellow Cards: Daniels (Clifton), Scott & Chenoweth (Hornets)

From the Coach’s Corner
“We were made to work for that today,” said Head Coach Matt Salter. “Hornets are a tough side at home, but the way we responded in the second half was outstanding. The bench added real energy, and we stayed composed under pressure. Every game is knockout rugby now — and the lads are embracing it.”

WANDERERS 26-19 Chard 1st XV

The Wanderers, under the guidance of injured skipper turned temporary head coach Will Joyce, secured a 26-19 victory over Chard in a competitive and fast-paced encounter. Joyce’s tenure got off to a strong start as his side showed resilience and attacking flair to claim the win.

The game began with early pressure from Chard, who capitalised on a quick start to score within five minutes, taking a 5-0 lead. However, Clifton responded well, and on 15 minutes, Nat Parameter crossed the whitewash after a well-constructed move, with Jack Bowyer adding the extras to make it 7-5 to the visitors.

Chard regained the lead just before halftime with a second try, but Clifton struck back immediately. AK powered over in the 39th minute, and Bowyer’s conversion sent the Wanderers into the break with a slender 14-12 advantage.

The second half saw Clifton step up the intensity. On 57 minutes, Andy Chapman finished off a flowing attack, and Bowyer’s accurate boot extended the lead to 21-12. The visitors looked set to pull further ahead just three minutes later, but AK was left frustrated after dropping the ball over the line.

Clifton quickly regained momentum thanks to a moment of brilliance from Mike Wyatt, whose massive 50:22 kick put them in prime attacking position. From the resulting play, new front row recruit Symonds crashed over in the 65th minute, stretching the lead to 26-12.

Chard refused to go down without a fight and grabbed a late try in the 80th minute to close the gap to 26-19, but Clifton held firm to seal an impressive opening victory for Joyce’s new regime.

It was a promising start to Joyce's coaching career, with Clifton showing composure, attacking flair, and strong game management to secure the win.

MISFITS 22 - 24 ST BRENDAN'S 1s

In their penultimate game of the season, the Misfits made the short journey to the Portway to face fellow league strugglers St Brendan’s in a crucial match that would have significant ramifications on the bottom three standings.

The reverse fixture in November had been a tight and nervy affair, and this encounter would prove to be no different.

With injuries and call-ups affecting the squad, Clifton Coach Mark Nichols welcomed back experienced backs Dan Wells and Will Pomphrey, looking to bolster his side’s chances in the battle for survival.

The game also marked 50 caps for Clifton skipper Pete Anderson.

The visitors were immediately pegged back and within the first 10 minutes, they faced their first setback as centre Ravi Gadera was forced off through injury.
The opening quarter was then dominated by St Brendan’s, and poor discipline from the Misfits saw hooker Ross Rochelle shown a yellow card.

Despite the extra man it took until the 29th minute for the first score to materialise, with St Brendan’s pressuring Clifton and earning a kickable penalty directly in front of the posts to take a 3-0 lead.

Clifton responded swiftly, though, as full-back Jordan Davies, filling in at centre, broke free to score. Stand-in scrum-half Will Lang added the extras to give Clifton a 7-3 lead.

Just minutes later Davies scored again, slipping a tackle and sprinting 50 yards for his second to give Clifton a 9 point lead.

*Half-Time Score:* 3-12 to Clifton.

The third quarter saw St Brendan’s reassert their dominance and was marred by further injuries for Clifton.

The home sides pack worked hard to break down the Misfits’ defence and scored, with the conversion successful.

On the 65th minute St Brendan’s went over again this time out wide.
In a moment of controversy, the Brendan’s kicker missed the conversion, but the referee ruled several Clifton players to be static but in front of the line, allowing the kick to be retaken and successfully converted on the second attempt.

With 10mins to play Clifton began to see a purple patch of possession resulting in centre Will Pomphrey crashing over the line to score and put Clifton back in front at 19-17, with Lang’s conversion added.

Clifton had their tails up but squandered several chances out wide to increase their lead.

In a critical moment of the game, Dan Wells made a brilliant line break and was set to score, but as he surged forward, several Clifton players noticed an unconscious St Brendan’s player at the bottom of the ruck. With player safety paramount they quickly alerted the referee and medical staff, allowing the game to pause as the player received treatment and safely leave the field.

With just two points separating the sides and tensions rising, Clifton’s efforts were rewarded in the 74th minute when they earned a penalty right in front of the posts. Lang made no mistake, putting Clifton ahead 22-17.

St Brendan’s knew only a converted try would suffice in the dying moments of the match. Pressing hard, they capitalised on Clifton’s faltering discipline and moved closer to the try line.
With the final play of the game, the Brendan’s breached the Clifton defence and they went over for the match-winning try. The hosts kicker then held his nerve with a relatively simple conversion to seal the win.

Full-Time Score: St Brendan’s 24-22 Clifton.

A scrappy and drama-filled game, with St Brendan’s snatching victory in the dying seconds to move off the bottom of the table.
Despite their frustrations, Clifton can take solace in the fact that they had fought hard to earn perhaps the most valuable losing bonus point of the season, which could prove crucial in keeping them out of the relegation zone.

All now comes down to the final weekend of the season, where Clifton travel to Ashley Down Old Boys and St Brendan’s host Dings 3s on 5th April.

Thatchers Man of the Match went to make-shift centre Jordan Davies for his impressive brace of tries and strong running lines throughout the game.

Photographs by Ian Clark