Excellent Barnes kicks Clifton home

BRAD Barnes’ impressive kicking proved to be the difference as a battling Clifton secured a tremendous win over Canterbury.

The fly-half slotted five penalties as Clifton triumphed 25-15 over their rivals.

Clifton’s defence was solid all day in what was a battling and tenacious display, and they opened up a 6-0 lead with two penalties from the boot of Barnes.

Wing Harry Sayers crossed the whitewash after 27 minutes as Canterbury rallied, but Clifton full-back Ian Clark dotted down to restore the home side’s lead.

However, there was just one point in it at the break after Alexander Miller scored his side’s second of the game moments before the whistle.

The home side excelled in the scrum, with hooker Jack Williams particularly impressive, and Barnes added three more unanswered penalties - Clifton building a steady advantage as the half wore on.

And the game was put beyond the visitors when Williams crashed over 12 minutes from time for an well-deserved unconverted try.

Canterbury back rower Jamie Stephens crossed late on for his side’s third score of the game, but it proved to be too little, too late as the hosts held out comfortably for victory.