Anderson steps up to secure top draw

Exeter Uni………. 15pts Clifton…………….. 15pts

■ By JOSH THOMAS

CLIFTON produced a brilliant second-half performance to stun Exeter University after they came from behind to earn a draw at the Topsham Sports Ground.

The Bristol side showed brilliant resilience to rescue the match, after being 12-0 down at the break and 15-8 midway through the second half to secure two points in rain-sodden conditions in the opening game of their National 2 West season.

“We were in a losing position, the clock was probably against us, and it seemed to come together as a group for the last 20 minutes, which is a good and pleasing sign,” said Clifton head coach Luke Cozens.

“I said to them in the circle at the end, the challenge is how we can get to the end of that situation in the first half, at the start of games. How can we repeat that.

“We are dangerous if we can get to that level, we should do some damage. You can’t ask more than a late comeback like that, can you?”

Both sides found it difficult in the early stages, due to the heavy rain, but it was Exeter who struck the first decisive blow in the 19th minute.

Hard work and patience paid off as Seth Findlay dived over from close range as Nic Allison added the extras to put the hosts 7-0 ahead.

Exeter increased their lead 11 minutes later with another close-range effort. Louie Gulley, with the help from his teammates, touched down to put the high-flying students in a commanding position at the break.

The rain continued after the interval, and in the process disrupted the play for both sides.

But Clifton won a penalty in the 59th minute following a heavy spell of pressure.

Ollie Milner stepped up to slot home in front of the posts to make it 12-3 and give the visitors hope.

And six minutes later Clifton grabbed their first try of the game through Tom Anderson.

Great perseverance from the Bristol side saw them go over after a 15-metre roll and put them four points behind their hosts, who were now feeling the heat.

With the wind firmly in their sails, Clifton thought they had scored again when they looked to have gone over in the corner, but referee James Walker adjudged the ball to be held up.

And moments later Exeter won a penalty, which Sam Walker showed great composure to kick over, much to the joy of the home supporters.

However, there was one final twist to an almighty tail as Anderson scored his second of the contest in the 80th minute and put Clifton within two points of an incredible draw.

Milner stood up and superbly kicked over the conversion to help Clifton complete an incredible comeback.

REFEREE: James Walker ATTENDANCE: 101

Star man Tom Anderson -Clifton