Clifton’s revival is cut short in thriller for fans
Clifton………… 24
Old Albanian 31
MATCHES between Clifton and Old Albanian usually produce adventurous rugby – and this was no exception.
The early territory was dominated by Clifton.
They scored first through a Chris Levesley try on 17 minutes, which was converted by Brad Barnes. Five minutes later, OAs replied with an unconverted try by Tobias Munday as the visitors settled into the match.
With five minutes to go to the break, full-back Alesandro Ricci added an unconverted second for OAs.
Good defence while under pressure left the halftime score 7-10.
The large home crowd enjoyed sunshine and U9s rugby during the interval and they were not disappointed by the entertainment to come in the second half.
Seconds after the kickoff Levesley score his second, converted by Barnes, to take the home side to 14-10.
However, a resurgence from Old Albanian brought two tries in nine minutes from Charles Watson and Aaron White Martinez, both converted by Dan Watt.
Just after the hour, Clifton’s Sam Goatley scored an unconverted try as a comeback was threatened.
The last ten minutes featured an unconverted try from both sides, Lloyd Anderson for OAs and David Hill for Clifton, meaning both teams left with bonus points.
