After a hard-fought draw against The Gryphon last Thursday, the unbeaten season was on the line again against Clifton College. With Ned J and Piers L joining the list of scorers against a well organised and energetic Gryphon side, a slightly different eleven took to the field against Clifton. With Clifton arriving late, the boys had plenty of time to warm up on beautiful spring day. Some overnight rain had softened the pitches, but there was still plenty of bounce for the likes of Casper G and Ollie M to exploit with their long ball passing from the back.

The game kicked off and settled into a pattern of Sherborne repelling the early Clifton advances as they attacked 'downhill'. A couple of early scares stung Sherborne into action, and they started to move the ball around better. This culminated in Sherborne’s first goal with Harry S tucking home from close range after great work from Freddie CC on the left, over lapping with vice-captain James E to create the simple opportunity for Harry.

As the game ebbed and flowed, the Clifton team stymied the usual Sherborne passing game and began to threaten more frequently. A couple of a scares kept the Sherborne team humble but the defence, vocally lead by Casper G in goal, who was decisive and solid as ever, kept Clifton at bay. Oscar W, leading with his calm assurance, and Charlie T were solid at centre back with Christian W foraging on the right of defence for any attacking opportunity. The midfield of Ollie M, Wilf T, James E and Harry S kept making in roads into the Clifton half but despite a flurry of corners at the end of the half, couldn’t give Arlo F and Charlie H the clear opportunities that could have extended the Sherborne lead. Indeed, Charlie’s pace threatened the Clifton defence on a number of occasions but the hard ground meant the ball was often just that little too far for Charlie to take advantage. The classy Arlo F provided a number of attacking options and he battled well against his opponents.

The second half continued very much as the first half ended. Ned J battled hard at CDM and linked the play well. James K had some success at left back, has elegant left foot providing opportunities for James E to go rampaging down the left wing. Another Arlo F provided energy and came close with a couple of long-range shots that, on another day, may have found the back of the net. A slightly nervy period ensued as Sherborne defended their one gola advantage. Theses nerves were allayed when Ollie M nodded in his first of the season on 63 minutes, with the assist going to James E after a series of crosses from the right-hand side.

Once again, the boys battled well against a well organised, if slightly toothless Clifton team. With one game remaining, the unbeaten season remains a reality for this fine group of lads.