Leaders Clifton returned to winning ways after their first defeat of the season by thrashing Coney Hill 37-15 in South West One.

But they suffered a blow before the game when former Bristol and England Under-21 player Chris Rowland – on loan from Stourbridge – twisted his ankle when running out from the changing rooms for what should have been his full debut.

Nevertheless, Clifton took a 6-0 lead thanks to two penalties from player-coach John Barnes before Coney Hill hit back with a try from Nevaro Codlin.

The rest of the half belonged to the hosts, with lock Darren Barry and wing Ollie Sills both crossing the whitewash before Barnes landed a conversion to take him past 1,500 league points for Clifton.

After the break, Martin Knight replied with a penalty but home back-row forwards Phil Schmid and Vince Murrell powered over to extend the hosts' advantage. Barnes added a conversion.

Codlin raced over for his second try but Clifton had the final say when No 8 Schmid scored, Andy Bell converting.

Weston-super-Mare suffered their heaviest defeat of the season when they lost 40-3 at Bracknell. Fly-half James Mackay kicked a penalty.

Cleve saw two priceless points snatched away from them at the death after they conceded a penalty and lost 15-14 to fellow strugglers Exmouth.

The Mangotsfield side came from 12-6 behind with Nathan Huntley scoring the only try of the game to add to three Lee Audis penalties.

In South West Two West, Avonmouth's promotion bid suffered a further setback after they lost for the third time in four matches – going down 30-20 to St Ives.

The newcomers from Western Counties North remain third but are now two points behind Newton Abbot and lead St Ives on points difference.

Avonmouth were 10-0 ahead after the Cornish side had two players sin-binned but then found themselves 22-10 behind.

The home side's points came from tries by Sam Thompson (2), Greg Long and Elliott Goodman.

Bottom club Clevedon led twice against second-placed Newton Abbot but were beaten 19-12 at Coleridge Vale.

Matt Harris crossed for a try before Steve Johnson kicked two penalties.

Yatton's match at Paignton was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.