This local derby turned out to be a thriller. Clevedon unluckily going down to a barrage of kicks. Clifton looked the sharper side early on and took the lead with two penalties. Clevedon taking a while to settle equalised with two penalties by Mike Lowis. Clevedon on a few rare attacks should have scored but good covering tackles by Clifton kept them out. Clifton increased their lead with a penalty and a drop goal. Clevedon missed a kickable penalty, which in the end proved vital. Before half time Clifton increased their lead with their fourth penalty due to some dubious refereeing and the penalty count against Clevedon being severe. During the first half Clifton looked the sharper side in the backs but good Clevedon defence kept them out. Clifton's line out was good but Clevedon had the upper hand in the scrums with John Potts and Tony Dauncey dominant.

The second half showed Clevedon devastating in the scrums and took the game to Clifton and constant pressure by the forwards and sniping by scrum half Ashley Vailes caused Clifton many problems. A quickly tapped penalty saw vison from Lowis and Biggins to put Steve Johnson over for a try in the corner. Clevedon now had the bit between their teeth and a delicate chip ahead by Dan Filby saw Tom Thie run in a great try, which Johnson converted. Clevedon now led 18-15 and had a player harshly yellow carded for Clifton to kick the penalty to draw 18-18. Late in the game yet another Clifton penalty won the game for them and Clevedon were very unlucky to have lost.