Clifton cut loose to see off Barnes

CLIFTON played some of their best rugby of the season in the final quarter to power to an impressive win against a Barnes team who dominated the lineout and edged the early exchanges in the tight.

Barnes led at half-time and it was not until the second half unfolded with some scintillating play that the home team confirmed the five points.

Early on Josh Hammett and Brad Barnes swapped penalties with centre Matt Cornish making a clean break to go under the posts with Hammett converting to give the Londoners the half-time lead.

Immediately from the restart the impressive Sam Goatley made a 55metre ghosting run to touch down and bring Clifton back into contention only for his opposite number Nick Van Buuren to slide under the posts.

A further Goatley break sent winger Hugh Campbell over with Barnes adding the extras and then a penalty. The kicker then set up Bentley Halpin to cross. The Van Buuren-Hammett combination then clicked again to make it a one point game.

Clifton dominated the closing stages with a further Campbell try followed by Mitch Spencer jinking over before prop Mark Roberts dashed into the corner.