Cotham Park RFC The closest Rugby club to Clifton in Bristol

After sending a text out mid-week telling the squad that not everyone would get a game due to a surplus of players, Shoppo found himself with only 16 players available on the day after 10 cried off! I don't think he'll make that mistake again!

A close game won through dogged determination from the forwards good defence by the backs and 3 moments of brilliance.

After a first half stalemate, Park started the 2nd half with the wind at their backs and playing down the slope. Good pressure in the opposition 22 led to a penalty being awarded in front of the posts. Jimmy calmly slotted it over to put the hosts 3-0 up. Clifton responded quickly, and managed to score the first try of the game after a well worked backs move to score in the corner. The conversion was missed to leave the score at 3-5.

Knowing that time was running out, Park knew that they had to do something special. A good kick off forced play down into the bottom corner on Cliftons line. The scrum was won, and Andy Day hoisted a cross field kick high up into the heavens. Fortunately, Janner "safe hands" Robinson was under it, and not only managed to catch it but also offload it to Mike(?) on the loop to put us in the lead.

Sensing that the Clifton heads were dropping, Park upped the tempo. Play again moved into the Clifton 22 and a penalty was awarded. Simon Freeguard, spotted the opposition napping and took it quickly, sprinting unopposed over the line. Not bad considering he had only arrived back in the country at 6am that morning!

With Clifton now needing 2 scores, mistakes started to creep into their game. A long kick upfield was well chased by Mike(?). Clifton recycled the scrappy ball but passes were dropped and Jimmy was the lucky man to drop on the ball after it was spilt over the Clifton line.

A good hard fought win over a well drilled Clifton side. Let's see if we can repeat the performance next week against Bishopston 3rds away. Don't forget that since the clocks have gone back, Kick Offs are now at 2:30pm