Clifton came to OBR fresh from their season-defining win over Chinnor. Their momentum from toppling the table-toppers came to sharp finish when the Bristolian team were introduced to Rams’ formidable pack. An exciting 80 minutes followed, demonstrating one of Redingensians Rams’ most potent team performances of the season and stand-out plays across the pitch.

Clifton’s kick-off was quickly controlled by Rams’ back row. Greg Illingworth developed an early chance with a chip-and-chase that sent Clifton sprawling to narrowly hold up his scoring opportunity. As a result, the visitors had their first meeting with Rams’ scrum on their 5-metre line. With Jack Steadman, Ben Henderson and James Baker at the helm, the pack picked up the first points of the game with a penalty try awarded at the end of an almighty shunt. Sam Guttridge picked up the first of many successes on kicking duties.

Quick to make amends, Clifton steadied the score line with a try from Chesters working off the momentum of a fast lineout and a quick penalty in Rams’ 22. Brad Barnes saw in a successful conversion to briefly put the two teams on level footing before Guttridge reasserted the hosts’ lead with a penalty in the following minutes.

Although Rams enjoyed a 10-7 lead on the scoreboard, Clifton were keen to assert themselves on the pitch. Throughout the following 20 minutes they subjected the Berkshire boys to their most lethal rugby, rarely letting Rams out of their own half. Malcolm Peacock made a break for the visitors, but had his try pulled back for a knock-on.

Despite this Rams’ defence held strong. Ross Crame, Jak Rossiter and Andy Amor put in stellar defensive efforts alongside the rest of the rest of Rams’ 15. After a long period of Clifton’s dangerous attacks, the home side emerged without concession and pushed forward to widen their lead with James Baker scoring at the head of a rampant Rams pack.

The final moments of the half didn’t offer Clifton any relief: Jack Steadman, Ollie Taylor and Tom Vooght harassed the Bristolian’s defensive line; Greg Illingworth and Steven Bryant came within inches of scoring tries of their own; Robbie Stapley closed out a fantastic half with a try in the final play of the forty. This was converted by Guttridge for an impressive 22-7 score line before the interval.

The second half kicked off straight into outset aggression on Rams’ part. The opening moments were highlighted by a stellar run down the right-hand side performed by Corrigan, Rossiter and Miles Lloyd, who finished with a try. Guttridge found his 3rd conversion of the day and, a few moments later, his 4th after Craig Nightingale stormed through Clifton’s ruck defence to win a try of his own.

Clifton continued to oppose strongly and returned the favour a few moments later with Sam Harrison finding an easy gap to waltz through. His try was converted by Brad Barnes for a 36-14 score 15 minutes into the second half.

Ollie Taylor and Conor Corrigan were next to test Clifton’s defence, taking the ball from kick-off to try line. This was pulled back for a forward pass and Rams instead remained in good territory until Ben Henderson and Craig Nightingale found perfect offloads to allow Jak Rossiter to soar through for a try of his own.

Clifton continued a valiant competition despite their 41-14 deficit. The game opened up for its final moments and gave the oppressive Clifton back row space to really assert themselves. The closed out the fixture with a duo of tries; the first coming from Jack Pinker and converted by Barnes, the second by Finlay Sharpe to award the team a well-earned bonus point to take home.

Next week Redingensians Rams will be making the journey up to Hertfordshire to face off against top-of-the-table Bishop’s Stortford.

Report by Matt McCrory
Photo by Paul Clark

Rams:
Tries: Penalty 8; Baker 35; Stapley 40; Lloyd 44; Nightingale 53; Rossiter 62
Conversions: Guttridge 8, 40, 44, 53
Penalties: Guttridge 16

Clifton:
Tries: Chesters 12; Harrison 55; Pinker 65; Sharpe 76
Conversions: Barnes 13, 55, 65

Rams:
15 - Foxley
14 - Rossiter
13 - Bryant
12 - Amor
11 - Corrigan
10 - Guttridge
9 - Illingworth
1 - Steadman
2 - Henderson
3 - Baker
4 - Hoy
5 - Taylor
6 - Crame
7 - Vooght
8 - Stapley (c)

Replacements:
16 - McDonnell-Roberts
17 - Drew
18 - Allen
19 - Nightingale
20 - Lloyd

Clifton:
15 - Clarke
14 - Pomfrey
13 - Peacock
12 - Harrison
11 - Sharpe
10 - Barnes
9 - Pinker
1 - Vaughan
2 - Wheeler
3 - Booley
4 - Hawkins
5 - Uren
6 - Luckwell
7 - Woodward
8 - Chester

Replacements:
16 - Bullimore
17 - Edwards
18 - Luxton
19 - Caven
20 - Renwick