Clifton looking for some Christmas cheer

Clifton RFC will be celebrating this Saturday night whatever the outcome of their third round EDF Energy National Trophy clash against Darlington with their Christmas bash at Station Road.

But head of coaching Dave Healy says a little bit of extra Christmas cheer from a cup victory wouldn’t go a miss after a tough start to life in National Three South.

Since winning promotion last season Clifton have only managed to secure one league win in 12 outings, but success has come their way in the EDF Energy National trophy with victories over Thurrock (26-47) and Coney Hill RFC (23-22).

“There’s no doubt about it, this has been a tough start to the season and not helped at all by a horrendous injury situation earlier in the year,” said Healy. “Performances are beginning to pick up though and we are nearly back to full strength so I very much hope we can be celebrating a cup win as well as Christmas on Saturday.

“The cup is always an exciting competition – it’s something different and it gives every club the chance to play teams you don’t normally come across and that makes it extra interesting.”

Darlington are Clifton’s opponents on Saturday and the National Three North club have been enjoying a little more success in the league this season than their rivals.

The Blackwell Meadows outfit currently sit ninth on the league ladder having won five games from 11 outings. They have also beaten Broadstreet RFC (30-8) and Altrincham Kersal (24-31) to book their place in the third round of the EDF Energy National Trophy.

Healy, however, is quietly confident that Clifton, as the home side, can look forward to a fourth round clash in the New Year.

He added: “Darlington appear to be a very similar club to us. It will be interesting to see what difference there is between the National League Three South and North leagues. I am confident though that we will get through into the next round of the competition now that we have got more players available. We can certainly see our way out of the losing run we have experienced and hopefully this competition can be the catalyst to some better results.”

Clifton No. 8 John Levis looks set to lead his side into the game with captain Tom Lambert likely to start on the bench having recovered from a rib injury.

Also in action for the South West are Bridgwater & Albion who play host to Blackheath, Dings Crusaders are at home to Macclesfield, Redruth travel to Esher while Henley go to Havant. Launceston are at home to Manchester and Lydney to Old Patesians.

EDF Energy National Trophy Round Three ties (to be played December 9th).

Barking   v  Westoe
Bradford & Bingley   v  Harrogate
Bridgwater & Albion v  Blackheath
Cambridge   v  Bedford Athletic
Canterbury   v  Wharfedale
Clifton   v  Darlington
Dings Crusaders  v  Macclesfield
Esher    v  Redruth
Halifax   v  Beverley
Havant   v  Henley
Launceston   v  Manchester
Lydney   v  Old Patesians
North Walsham  v  Stourbridge
Nuneaton   v  Blaydon
Rosslyn Park  v  Luctonians
Tynedale   v  West Park St Helens

Ends…