by Brian Jordan - photos Gary Bray /UNiCOM
Team performance
A team performance, on a heavy pitch, enabled Clifton to open a gap at the top of National Three South today after defeating Cheltenham's Old Patesians 37 17
The home team started well when winger Rob Viol charged down a chip ahead on the halfway line and winger Sam Kent was on hand to seize the loose ball and race 45 metres to the line. Fly half John Barnes duly converting.
Barnes, who had an exemplary game with his tactical kicking, extended the lead with a 30 metre penalty in the 10th minute. Clifton lost flanker Eddie Smith with a spiral fracture to the thumb to be replaced by Paul Reid.
Scrum penalty
While Clifton’s reshaped back row settled, the visitors benefited from a scrum penalty and pushed Clifton over their own line. Darren Moore touched down and full back Russell Nunn converted.
Clifton struck back with a well worked try following a powerful run by Paul Reid and finished off by No 8 John Levis. John Barnes adding the extras.
Lambert intercepts
With around ten minutes to go before half time, Tom Lambert intercepted close to his own line and made 40metres before passing to Rob Viol for the score. Once again converted by Barnes.
Old Pats struck back soon after the break with fly half Robert Nock breaking through from close range. Russell Nunn converting.
The Old Boys lost 2 of their back row through injury in the 53 minute while Clifton prop Greg Shortman's day also ended abruptly after a stray boot caught him in the eye.
Bonus point for Clifton
Barnes and Nunn swapped penalties before Rob Viol added to his tally racing 75 metres to touch down under the posts earning Clifton a bonus point. True to form, Barnes added the extras yet again. Final score 37 -17.
