Clifton start the season in style with thrashing of Barnstaple
TRADITIONAL and long awaited West Country derbies come no better than promoted Barnstaple reviving rivalry with Clifton in the league and competing for ownership of the John Budd trophy, donated years ago in memory of the wellknown character who represented both clubs.
Many had expected a tight National Two South game but it became apparent that the Barum boys were going to have to contend with the high tempo Clifton demonstrated from the kick-off.
The first possession secured by the hosts saw Zimbabwe centre Marcus Nel accelerate between the posts for Luke Cozens to convert. No 8 Niall Gibbons then drove over, which heralded a procession of tries with Barnstaple unable to
match the fitness of the Clifton boys who clearly enjoyed playing their expansive game.
Debutant winger Alex Hanson sped away from the opposition to cross, Harry Bate slipped the cover to send Nel in for his second before lock Henry Harper stormed over. Bate then showed great strength to complete the first-half scoring.
Cozens, who initiated much of Clifton’s attacking play, also kicked four conversions before handing over the 10 shirt to Jac Lloyd, from Bristol Bears Academy, who far from taking an armchair ride showed his full skill-set in the second half.
Barnstaple began the second period with extra vigour but a resolute home defence remained solid. Bate crossed again with another debutant, Brad Talbot, powering over. Clifton emptied their bench. Jo Owen and Fin Sharp crossed before Regan Herbert added the final score.
Lloyd added five conversions to complete a satisfying run out for Matt Salter’s team.
» Dings Crusaders got their National League Two South campaign off to a flying start with a 29-25 win at Westcliff. The lead changed hards several times in this tight tussle, but it was the visitors who eventually prevailed to claim a try bonus-point victory.
Westcliff opened the scoring with a penalty from fly-half Jack Jones, but Dings hit back shortly after with a try from No 8 Jake Holcombe. Flyhalf Ben Bolster added the extras to give the visitors a 7-3 advantage.
A Crusaders attack was picked off from centre Jake Campey, who raced in from distance after intercepting a wayward pass. Jones added the conversion.
However, Dings skipper Marcus
Brooker went over and Bolster again converted to re-establish the lead for the visitors.
Bolster and Jones swapped penalties to take the sides into the break with Dings holding a 17-13 lead.
The second half continued to be nip and tuck. Westcliff struck first with a try from full-back Greg Bannister, which Jones converted. But Brooker barged over for his second try of the afternoon, which Bolster converted to make it 24-20 to the Bristol-based side.
Bannister crossed again with ten minutes remaining to nudge Westcliff into a 25-24 lead. But late drama saw Crusaders’ wing Tom Hargan go over to secure the try bonus point and a morale-boosting win.
» Old Redcliffians began their South West Premier campaign with a 38-12 success at Camborne.