Western Counties (North): Clifton Seconds 37- 31 Bridgwater & Albion

Bridgwater and Albion travelled up the M5 to play against a young fast paced Clifton side and after a hard fought game where they were more than a match for their hosts they had to settle for two bonus points, writes Richard Walsh.

The game which marked skipper Taylor Buller’s 150th appearance turned out to be a battle between the Clifton backs, and the Albion forwards who enjoyed an excellent day and were responsible for creating all four of the visitors tries.

Clifton set off at a rate of knots and after running the ball across their backs Mc Mullan touched down for a try which he converted after just three minutes.

The visitors opened their account on quarter of an hour when the ball was kicked into touch inside the Clifton 22 metre line and from the line out and driving maul Taylor Buller crashed over for an unconverted try.

Shortly after however the home side extended their lead when Hazell ran down the wing before scoring in the corner. After a period of even play Hazell scored his second try which was this time converted by McMullan.

Clifton continued to create pressure which the Albion defence weathered well, but after 37 minutes Pine went over in the corner.

The visitors came back strongly and just before the break won a line out close to the Clifton line and following an excellent driving maul Jordan Buller went over for a try, which Harrison Greenslade added the extras to, making the half time score 24-12.

Bridgwater came out strongly after the break and following a kick to touch and great drive Lewis Plece looked to have gone close but was held up over the line.

Following more good work by the Albion forwards another driving maul after 48 minutes was rewarded when Jordan Buller went over for his second try of the game making the score 24-17.

Just before the hour Clifton were awarded a penalty which McMullan slotted home adding to the lead. The hosts then scored two unconverted tries in quick succession the first from Number 8 Taylor  followed one from full back Walters.

The last 10 minutes of the game belonged to the visitors whose forwards were relentless throughout, and following another drive Cam Hellier scored a try which Kyran Devitt quickly converted.

In the 78th minute with the clock ticking down another tremendous drive by the Albion forwards was rewarded with a try for George Sluman which Devitt converted.

In the dying seconds Bridgwater pressed hard before the final whistle went with the score 37-31 to Clifton.

This coming weekend Bridgwater & Albion travel away to take on Midsomer Norton, kick off 2.30pm.

B&ARFC- Harrison Greenslade, Dan Lang, Cam Hellier, Lewis Plece. Roger Drabble, Jay Owens, Kyran Devitt, Taylor Buller (captain), George Sluman, Alex Knight,  Harrison Cornish, Tom Hopkins, Harry Penetelow, Jordan Buller and Ben Howden.

Replacements all used- Gavin Knight, Josh Parker and  Josh Frost.