On a famous day at Station Road, Rams climbed to Level Three with a 45-21 success, their opponents’ superb National Two West triumph last term meaning the sides lock horns again tomorrow.
While reflecting on a great day in the club’s history, Seb admitted his club respect the past but look forward to the future, stating: “Promotion was a long time ago – I had hair then – and while there are still some boys around, (James) Baker and a couple of others, that’s all history.
“Clifton have had a couple of very strong years including a promotion-winning one last season, they’ve got an excellent set-piece and some quality players who’ve been there for plenty of time.”
Testing start for Clifton
The Lavendar and Blacks were handed a tough fixture list and have been beaten by top-six sides Rotherham Titans, Blackheath, Plymouth Albion and Sale so far, while also having to travel north to Leeds Tykes and Sedgley Park.
Clifton secured a superb 34-19 at the latter – a ground where Rams were indebted to Zach Clow’s last play score to win 24-18 on the opening day of the campaign – and Director of Rugby Seb believes they could be in a ‘false position’ in the table, currently sitting 10th.
He continued: “They’ve looked a dangerous side among a baptism of fire – their run of fixtures shows what National One is!
“It’s tough all the time but they had a fantastic win at Sedgley and have been competitive almost every week. It will be an interesting game and we’re looking forward to going back there.”
Hoadley returns to starting line-up
The highlight of Rams’ four starting changes sees scrum-half Ed Hoadley back for the first time in almost 13 months, the scrum-half starring during the Development XV’s 64-31 win against Chinnor Under 23s on Wednesday.
Praising the former London Scottish man, Seb beamed: “It’s amazing what he’s been able to do.
“Not only his performance on Wednesday when he was outstanding and like he’d never been away, but all the stuff he’s done in the past few months.
“He’s never had a major injury before and to come back from this at 31, with two young children, running a business which needs him on his feet all day, it adds another dimension to his recovery.
“It’s not like a 21-year-old who can live and breathe the rehab process, he’s got a million and one other things going on and to have the commitment, the love for the game and to come back and is incredible.
“We’re so happy to have him back.”
Three further changes for visitors
The other alterations among the starting line-up see props Ant Marris and Ryan Lomas swap with Paddy Harris and James Baker, Mikey Duda back at open-side as Aaron Tull drops to the bench alongside returning versatile back Rowan Grundy.
And the DoR admitted: “Mikey was a bit grumpy with me last week and he probably had the right to be. We missed him and we’re happy to have him back.
“Rowan was sharp on Wednesday night. He’s been unlucky so far this season where his body just hasn’t felt quite where he’s wanted it to be, but he’s a wonderful rugby player and can come on in multiple positions.”
Development XV impress DoR
Commenting on the Development XV’s success and a string of strong performances, Seb ended: “Chinnor had a young side, but were very tenacious and had a high skill level – they stayed in the contest well.
“We had initial dominance but were a little error-strewn and couldn’t take full advantage of front-foot ball.
“Yet towards the end we ran away with it and our guys did well.”
Shining a light on a quintet of players who caught the eye, he ended: “(Prop) Max Marshall was superb around the park, Pete Austin and Harry Bicknell at hooker as well, and Max Brown looked very physical in the back row.
“But Oli Rhoads was outstanding and a deserving man-of-the-match.
“He looked so smooth and covered the grass well. Defensively he chased down two players to cover one possible try, and in attack he broke the line plenty of times.
“Oli was very, very good and there’s a lot more to come from him.”
