Barnstaple Chiefs push promotion-chasing Clifton all the way

Barnstaple RFC produced a tremendous performance against one of the division's leading sides, pushing former National One outfit Clifton to the limit before eventually going down 36-28 in an entertaining encounter.

The Chiefs may have missed out on victory, but a last-gasp try secured a valuable bonus point and ensured the visitors left knowing they had been in a real battle.

With Clifton arriving at the game sitting fourth in the league and having suffered just one defeat, Barnstaple knew they faced a formidable challenge. However, anyone expecting a one-sided afternoon was quickly proved wrong as the Chiefs came flying out of the blocks.

Barnstaple started with real intensity, putting Clifton under relentless pressure during the opening 15 minutes. The home side swarmed their opponents, tackled aggressively and moved the ball with confidence, but the visitors' well-organised defence held firm.

Clifton eventually weathered the early storm and demonstrated exactly why they are challenging near the top of the table. A devastating ten-minute spell saw them score three tries and put 19 points on the board, turning the contest firmly in their favour.

The Chiefs refused to let their heads drop, however, and responded immediately from the restart. Alex Penny spotted a gap in the Clifton defensive line and accelerated through to score under the posts, giving Barnstaple a much-needed lifeline.

The remainder of the first half belonged largely to Clifton as they looked to secure their bonus point. Barnstaple were also reduced to 14 men after receiving a technical yellow card for repeated infringements close to their own line, allowing the visitors to add another try.

At the interval, Clifton held a commanding 26-7 advantage.

If the first half belonged to Clifton, the second was undoubtedly Barnstaple's.

The Chiefs emerged from the break with renewed determination, matching the intensity they had shown in the opening stages but this time turning their pressure into points.

Their forwards began to dominate, with a powerful driving maul and a dominant scrum putting Clifton firmly on the back foot. Max Moore took full advantage, receiving the ball five yards from the line before powering through a gap to score Barnstaple's second try.

The home supporters were beginning to believe, but Clifton responded almost immediately. Their dangerous back three found space out wide, allowing the winger to race clear for their fifth try and restore some breathing space.

Barnstaple were not finished, though, and their scrum continued to cause the visitors enormous problems. Another powerful set-piece drove Clifton backwards towards their own line, with the eight seemingly unable to stop the advancing Chiefs pack. An illegal foot used to disrupt the play prevented a certain try, and the referee awarded a penalty try to Barnstaple.

With two Clifton players spending time in the sin bin, the visitors were increasingly struggling to contain the home side's forward power. The momentum had swung dramatically in Barnstaple's favour, with Clifton resorting to every available tactic to slow the game down and protect their advantage.

A penalty in the 70th minute extended the visitors' lead to 36-21, leaving the Chiefs needing three scores in the final ten minutes to turn the result around.

Although victory was now looking unlikely, the bonus point remained firmly within reach.

Barnstaple continued to press and, despite being reduced to 14 players themselves following a second technical yellow card, refused to give up. With the final play of the match, the Chiefs worked their way into the Clifton 22 and won a scrum just five metres from the line.

Brandon took possession and powered over to score, securing the all-important bonus point and bringing the final score to 36-28.

Head coach Winston James was pleased with the way his players responded after the interval.

"I'm glad we came out the second half swinging and put in a good shift against a good outfit," he said.

There will inevitably be some disappointment within the Barnstaple camp, particularly given the way they dominated large periods of the second half. The opening 15 minutes also offered a glimpse of what might have been had the Chiefs managed to turn their early pressure into points.

However, Clifton deserve credit for their defensive organisation and clinical finishing during the first half. Their dangerous back three also caused Barnstaple plenty of problems, making the most of the opportunities presented to them.

The Chiefs can take considerable encouragement from their second-half display, particularly the performance of their forward pack, which increasingly overwhelmed the Clifton scrum.

Cameron Johnson also enjoyed an excellent afternoon with a perfect record from the tee, converting all four of his kicks. It was equally pleasing to see Alex Penny back in the side, making an immediate impact with his first-half try.

Ultimately, the damage had been done before the break, but Barnstaple demonstrated that they have the ability and determination to compete with the very best in the division.

There is little time to rest, with another challenging assignment awaiting the Chiefs against second-placed Luctonians.

The fixtures certainly do not get any easier, but the performance against Clifton should give Barnstaple plenty of confidence.

They will then return to home soil on November 14 to face Loughborough Students in what promises to be an important fixture as the Chiefs look to build on their encouraging display and get back to winning ways.

Elsewhere in North Devon rugby, Ilfracombe went down to a 47-22 defeat at Sidmouth in a thoroughly entertaining encounter. Rowan Rees (2), Max Davies and Charlie Smith scored the Combe tries.

Bideford Chiefs went down to a 12-34 loss at home to OPM, but the Ladies enjoyed a 27-12 triumph over Bude. Torrington were beaten 75-40 in a crazy game against North Tawton, while South Molton were imperious in their 76-19 victory over Topsham.