Blues given another lesson

Newbury Blues were comfortably beaten by Clifton at Monks Lane on Saturday

Newbury Blues 19 Clifton 58

BLUES were given a powerful lesson as Clifton completed their second half-century haul against the league's bottom side this season.

There was also pain for Blues flanker Paul Archer, who was stretchered off early in the second half with what was feared to be a fractured pelvis. But he was later released from hospital, where it was confirmed that there was no break, although the player will be sidelined for the foreseeable future with a serious hip injury.

The bright note for Blues was the performance of 18-year old winger Myles Roberts Bailey. The debutant scored two tries and proved his defensive worth as well.

Newbury had actually taken the lead for a spell when skipper Martin Freeman scored an interception try in response to Sam Kent's fifth minute opener Dan Thorne's conversion nudging Newbury in front.

But it was downhill most of the way after that as Clifton established a 39-12 interval lead and wrapped it up in a scrappy second half. England World Cup hooker Mark Regan was amongst the Clifton scorers, along with Kent, David Cook, Hallam Smith, Rob Viol, Tom Pool and James Stark and Will Pomphrey with two apiece in their 10-touchdown mauling.