Clifton's South West One title charge continued as they defeated Cleve 18-13 in a full-blooded local derby.

The league leaders made it 11 wins from 11 to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season.

Cleve dropped further into the relegation zone and are now one from bottom, while Bournemouth leapfrogged Old Redingensians to move into second, after their home win against Weston-super-Mare.

The game was played with contrasting styles, with Clifton trying to move the ball wide and attack through their backs and Cleve's more direct approach.

Cleve's former Bristol centre Jon Pritchard made some good yards and set targets for the forwards, while former Weston wing Takora Joy Mademombe was a real threat.

What the game lacked in free flowing rugby, it made up for in intensity and commitment, with the referee struggling to keep a lid on matters.

A third-minute penalty from Cleve scrum-half Lee Audis opened the scoring but it was Clifton who crossed the whitewash two minutes later with a sweeping move, rounded off by centre David Butler. Fly-half Andy Bell converted.

Both teams had their moments, but strong defence dominated the remainder of the period, with a score of 7-3 at the break.

A 46th-minute Bell penalty was cancelled out by a long-range penalty effort by Audis 19 minutes later.

The game sparked into life in the 70th minute when former England international David Rees scorched in to score after good work from Sam Wilkes.

The hooker, who carried well all afternoon, drove towards the line and when he was brought down, the ball was moved to Rees, whose clever angle beat the defence for him to score. Bell converted.

Three minutes later, Cleve hit back with a 60-metre effort involving backs and forwards and finished off by flanker Sam Roach, who took the inside pass to crash over in the corner. Audis converted to make it 15-13.

A further Bell penalty proved to be enough for Clifton to secure the points and they will be pleased to have come through a very tough away fixture with another victory.

Cleve would have been encouraged by their performance and will look forward to the rest of the campaign knowing they can compete with the best.