Thompson kick steals it for OA

Clifton ...................... 32 Old Albanian .......... 33

Thompson’s late conversion saw Old Albanian snatch a dramatic one-point victory at Clifton.

Two Jack Lloyd penalties in the final quarter put the hosts in the driving seat, but Thompson converted Daniel Watt’s 77th-minute try to seal the win.

OA started strongly and, after poor defensive work from Clifton, Thompson and Christopher West crossed in the first 12 minutes for a 12-0 lead. But Clifton hit back with tries by Zak Hamid and Ricky Cano, both converted by Lloyd.

West responded with a try in the 32nd minute, converted by Watt, before Bentley Halpin crossed to level at 19-19 at half-time.

Clifton started the second half well, Gibbons scoring early before OAs again responded through Watt, who converted his own try. Lloyd then struck two consecutive penalties, in the 62nd and 68th minutes, and it looked like Clifton were closing the game out.

However, with minutes left on the clock, a missed drop goal attempt let OAs counter.

Clifton could not hang in the fight and, after multiple phases, Watt steamed in under the sticks and Thompson converted to give Old Albanian a narrow win.

TEAMS

CLIFTON: Kilbane, Sharp, Hamid, Harrison, Halpin, Lloyd, M Spencer, Cano, Gwilliam, Bullimore, Gibbons, Bergh, Wilson, Broady, Talbot

Replacements: J Spencer, Rovery, Woodward, Boyland, Cozens

OLD ALBANIAN: Wicks, Noot, Watt, Sage, Stileman, Lound, Thompson, Ramzanpour, Petty, Chamnaoui, Verley, Napier, Illston, West, King

Replacements: Bond, Harris, Southon, Minkiewicz, McPhun

REFEREE: Iain Kiy

ATTENDANCE: 187 Star man

Daniel Watt - Old Albanian