Seconds pipped by the post

For the second week running the seconds took to the field short with only 14 players turning up.
However those 14 put in a great performance which merited a victory only to be denied by a single point.
A massive first scrum put the wind up the hosts to such a degree they asked for uncontested scrums which was allowed somewhat surprisingly by the referee, a decision which had quite an effect on the game.
With early decisions going against us Clifton were able to go into the lead with two penalties only to be pulled back by Simon Warren showing great pace following up his kick through touching down for a five pointer.
As the first half progressed we suffered from the absence of a complete back row as Clifton were able to mount attacks from the uncontested scrums and two tries were conceded resulting in a half time score of 16-5 to the Henbury outfit.
The second half saw a great effort from the lads which came so close to victory.
With Mike Davidge moving to No 8 on attacking scums we were able to drive deep into Clifton territory and Mike scored the first try of the half following a great break by Simon Warren.
More intense pressure from the forwards resulted in us moving into the lead with a try from Jack Lewis converted by Craig Caple.
The lead was further increased when smart thinking from Polis produced a try from a quickly taken tap penalty. Unfortunately Caple's conversion struck the post leaving us just six points up going into the last ten minutes.
Then disaster struck when following more pressure from the Saints the ball somehow squirted clear from a ruck inside the Clifton half resulting in a breakaway try which was converted giving Clifton a one point lead which they were able to maintain as the game reached its conclusion.
A disappointing result in a game we deserved better.