It has been a long (and mostly hot) Summer; pre-season matches have been tough and a test of the team's strength and resolve (as they were designed to be).

It has been known for quite some time that this season had a critical start with three back-to-back matches against familiar and local opponents.

First up, an away fixture at Old Redcliffians. Starting their second season at level 4 after last year's shaky beginnings and fighting finish to avoid relegation, it was certain that Saul Nelson's side would be better prepared and experienced for this campaign.

Clifton Rugby had last year's heavy defeat in mind (34-0) as they prepared for this first match and were determined to make the previous result an aberration.

Arriving at Scotland Lane, it was clear that the men in #LavenderAndBlack had brought support and were raring to get the season underway.

Winger Will Pomphrey suffered an injury in warm-up and was unable to start and joined the large Clifton travelling support on the sidelines.

Clifton stared the match brightly, taking advantage of the dry, firm conditions and spent much of the opening minutes camped near the Old Red's 5m line. Resolute defending kept the visitors out for 8 minutes but eventually a driving maul led to the first score from Henry Harper and a successful conversion from Brad Barnes (0-7).

The game momentum gradually started swinging toward the home side as they built structure and confidence; a replacement in the front row saw Craig McGrath enter on 18 minutes, an attacking scrum near Clifton's 5m line led to Old Red's first score a few minutes later from Kilbane, converted by Hill (7-7).

Five minutes later the Scotland Lane side had an opportunity to take the lead with a penalty kick which missed left (7-7). The pressure continued and a dropped kick gave Old Reds an attacking scrum close to Clifton 5m line again. A well worked set piece led to another try from the home side by Jones, converted by Hill (14-7); this proved to be the half time score.

As at the start, Clifton came out for the second half showing intent, sustained pressure led to a technical yellow card offence from Old Reds on 43 minutes. The pressure continued, leading to an excellent try from prop Alex Giltrow spurred from a lineout, converted by Barnes on 50 minutes (14-14).

The next 10 minutes saw three Old Redcliffians substitutions and the match started to fragment and become more open. A host side penalty offence gave Barnes the opportunity for Clifton Rugby to retake the lead which the fly half capitalised on just as the hour mark approached (14-17).

The final 20 minutes was a cut and thrust affair, both sides attempting to break each other's lines. By the final whistle the score had not changed and Clifton came away with 4 points on the road to start their 2018/19 season. This was a typical derby match with plenty of passion, it was also clear that last season's result motivated the team to do their pre-season preparation justice.

Speaking after the game, Matt Salter (Head Coach) said, "The boys put in a determined performance. There's plenty to work on but I am pleased with the result and the attitude".

Clifton Rugby have their first home match next Saturday, 8th September at Station Road. Another local derby, this sees the visit of Dings Crusaders. Newly promoted to the league having been absent for a couple of seasons, Dings will be keen to start their season following a loss at home to Redruth in round one.

#CmonClifton #LavenderAndBlack #Since1872

Clifton Team (1st September v Old Reds)

15 Levesley
14 Lambert
13 Halpin
12 Harrison
11 Smee (46')
10 Barnes
9 Mitchell
1 Booley
2 Wheeler
3 Giltrow
4 Harper
5 Hill David
6 Chesters (c)
7 Rovery
8 Hill Daniel

16 Simpson
17 Taylor
18 Campbell (46')
21 Wilcox
23 Openshaw