Bishop’s turn out late but Clifton turn on the style

■ By KATY TINGLEY

Clifton ………………….55

Bishop’s S ……………29

DESPITE a delayed arrival, Bishop’s Stortford forged a half-time lead – only for Clifton to put paid to their efforts in a second-half display of dominance.

The visitors showed no ill effects, in starting brightly, but Clifton took first initiative. After twenty-five minutes, the hosts took the honours with powerful forward-led routines.

A cross-field Mitchell Spencer kick fell into the arms of fullback Matty Jones, soon after the start, with fly-half Tom Quinlan landing the first of his five conversions. Bishop’s Stortford then took advantage of sloppy play, from the restart with centre, Alex Gilham cashing in.

Almost immediately prop Toby Hill wrestled and barraged over the whitewash, with Alex Keylock converting before he added his own try and conversion to increase that lead.

Clifton suddenly took initiative once more, as hooker Tom Anderson was on the end of two catch-and-drive moves after Dan Owen had secured possession.

Following that phase of play, Clifton stamped authority on the scoreboard with Spencer sniping over, winger Ollie Harris scored from a cross-field move. Flanker Jay Evans and replacement Ollie Stirling also stormed over for respective scores.

The final period saw Toby Hutchinson burst through the defence with formidable number eight Brad Talbot, crashing though for the ninth and final try.