Wells delivers a captain’s display

CLIFTON returned to winning ways in a thoroughly entertaining encounter with Worthing Raiders.

The home side built on a 16-10 half-time lead, but a spirited late fightback by the visitors led to tries from Matt McLean and Dan Sergeant.

Clifton skipper Dan Wells led by example with his strong running, aggressive tackling to inspire his team, while excellent kicking by flyhalf Brad Barnes was also significant.

The first try however came through Alex Neilsen, who pounced on a Clifton mistake following some slick running.

Barnes and McLean exchanged penalties before the charge down of a Raider’s clearance kick led to a try by Alex Giltrow, converted by Barnes, who then slotted two further penalties.

While the second half was punctuated by yellow cards and frustrations among the forwards it was sound handling and interplay that led to a Barnes penalty.

Barnes’ kick was swiftly followed by an Ian Clark score and an intercept try by James Newey, with Barnes also converting both.

Clifton pressed for the bonus-point try but it was Worthing who finished with two late tries that were ultimately just consolation.