Clifton secure an impressive away win

Worthing 20 Clifton 27: Clifton's excellent start to life in National League Two South continued as their new-look side recorded their first away victory of the season.

They again demonstrated their ability to score tries, bringing their tally after three games to 12, but also showed their defensive qualities as they were put under pressure by the home side, especially before the break.

Clifton had a dream start when, after two minutes, Darren Barry won a line-out on the right, which was then driven forward by the pack.

When the ball was released, centre Pierre-Alex Clark made a clean break to put full-back Sam Smee over for a try, converted by fly-half John Barnes.

They could have scored again five minutes later when Clark repeated the set-up but Smee's final pass to winger Ollie Sacco went to ground.

The home side's backs looked dangerous and, following a break by winger Chris Meddings, impressive centre Paul Dunckley went over with scrum-half Joe Govett converting.

The visitors regained the lead after 16 minutes when prop Mako Vunipola touched down after a drive from a line-out.

The only other scores before the break were penalties from Barnes and Govett.

Clifton lost the services of Barnes just before the break. He went off with a groin injury and was replaced by Andy Bell.

The early stages of the second half were dominated by the visitors and they extended their lead in the 46th minute when winger Rob Viol seized on a defensive error and raced over from 20 metres, with Clark converting.

The bonus-point try came four minutes later and it was the power of the pack, following a line-out drive, which ended with Sam Wilkes crashing over.

Play broke up during the rest of the game as Worthing quickly emptied their replacements bench and the intense heat and humidity began to have an effect on the players.

Play moved from end to end and again Worthing were kept at bay by some outstanding defence by Clifton, who also threatened but could not score.

Govett kicked a second penalty midway through the half and Worthing did not score until deep into injury-time.

Clifton conceded a penalty close to their line and prop Sam Burns went over, with Govett converting with the final kick of the game.