CLIFTON have the chance to take revenge for one of their most painful defeats in recent memory after overcoming Avonmouth 41-24 to reach the final of the Charles Saunders Combination Cup.

Next up for Clifton at the Memorial Stadium in May are Dings Crusaders, who crushed their cross-town rivals 43-10 late last month in a National Two South derby, turning the form book upside down.

And despite their contrasting positions – Clifton are sixth while Dings are still not mathematically safe from relegation in 11th place – director of rugby Darren Lloyd reckons Dings will start the final as favourites.

He said: "Their form since Christmas has been very good and they were the better side when we last met. But we might turn up for the final!

"Dings have also got a great Combination Cup tradition while this will be only our second ever final, but it's very pleasing to be through."

Centre James Golledge's first-half hat-trick helped Clifton into a 29-14 lead at the turnaround. And although Avonmouth finished with four tries of their own, the home side had an edge in most of the important battles and won with a bit to spare.

Golledge was first on the board for Clifton only for the visitors to claim the lead with a Charlie Reynolds try converted by Matt Belbin.

Avonmouth were pressing hard again when home full-back Ben Foley read a telegraphed pass and intercepted on his own 22 to race away for a try under the posts which was converted by brother Charlie.

And the same combination struck again in the 22nd minute, Ben breaking the Avonmouth line before kicking ahead and winning the chase for the touchdown, Charlie converting to make it 19-7.

The powerful Golledge muscled over for his second try before Avonmouth reasserted themselves with a close-range score from winger Billy Reynolds following fly-half Joe Wearne's neat offload, Belbin converting. Golledge, though, had the final word of the half as he completed his hat-trick in injury-time, making it 29-14 at the turnaround.

Winger George Karayiannis sprinted away just two minutes into the second period as Clifton consolidated their lead.

Avonmouth's third try came from back rower Greg Long, who was driven over by his pack.

Replacement Matt Britton was next on the board for Clifton, crossing under the posts for Foley to convert.

But Avonmouth had the final word when outstanding lock Harry Hone drove over in the 66th minute.