Clifton survive a late Hornets scare

By ROGER OPIE

Clifton…………………..45

Hornets………………… 41

CLIFTON looked to have control over the outcome as the interval approached.

But they had not anticipated losing three key forwards through injury and making mistakes after the break.

Hornets took full advantage to stage a comeback with the hosts eventually edging the win

The early pressure came from Clifton with tries for Alex Howman and Dan Wells. Luke Cozens converted both and went on to add all six of his team’s tries.

Hornets hit back through Isaac Campbell-Wu before Freddie Myatt broke through the defence and Tom Hatch crossed.

Before half-time Hornets’ Charlie Carter dummied his way through, with Jamie Elswood converting.

Clifton began making basic errors and leaking penalties which led to the visitors running in tries by Oscar James and two determined efforts by Simone Elrick.

It was game on, with replacement Bertie Cole-Fontayn hitting the line for the men in lavender.

But visiting replacement Jonathan Roberts went over before tense injury-time activity saw Clifton prop Ricky Cano pile over and a Cozens penalty gave Clifton a narrow win. In the final move James scored his second.