Barber joy as Clifton seal derby triumph
COACH Mike Barber praised Clifton’s game management as the high-flying hosts finished strongly to see off West Country rivals Redruth.
Over the years, matches between the two clubs have offered great entertainment and lively endings.
Redruth wanted to avenge Clifton’s dominance in the reverse fixture, but the home side won to hold on to second place in the table.
Torrential rain had raised questions over the state of the pitch, but to the credit of both teams and the officials, a mopping up operation ensured that the game could go ahead.
Referee Max Weston was instrumental in keeping game alive as the two sides played out a close contest, with Clifton came through in the final quarter.
Clifton coach Barber said: “I’m proud of our game management under these trying conditions and particularly how we were patient in waiting for opportunities to come our way.
“We changed our tactics at half-time and kicked less to keep the ball in hand.
“Moving England Under 20 player Sam Worsley to fly-half was important in directing our attack with the ball in hand, especially as he has lacked playing time recently.
“He demonstrated his decision-making skills.”
A scoreless opening spell was dominated by spates of kick tennis.
However, the deadlock was eventually broken when, following a clean line-out, Redruth prop Luke Barnes took his chance to score.
Fly-half Dan converted.
A scrum penalty allowed Rutter to increase the visitors’ lead to ten points.
The Redruth pack was going well at this stage of the game, with Jess Tompsett to the fore in loose play.
The sun appeared during the interval and strong words in the Clifton dressing room seemed to have immediate effect.
A strong surge from prop Alex Giltrow gained ground to force a penalty, kicked by Sam Worsley.
A quickly-taken penalty by scrum-half Blake
Rutter
Boyland found its way to regular try scorer Brad Talbot, who brushed aside tackles to cross under the posts, with Worsley converting.
Honours were now even and, with time running out, Worsley kicked a penalty to give his side
the lead for the first time. Centre Will Owen then broke clear to power over the line to extend the lead and complete the scoring.
Redruth head coach Nigel Hambly will take pride from the spirit and commitment shown by his squad, which was depleted by several injuries. Redruth will perhaps consider themselves a little unlucky that the lead was lost in the final quarter of the match.
Ground conditions led to several stoppages for injuries and on rare occasions tempers boiled over.
Having completed the double over the Cornishmen for the first time, Clifton will now look forward to their final two away matches, against Luctonians and Loughborough Students, as they bid to secure second place in the table.