Watsonians lose out to Clifton in Kent

HALFORD HEWITT: Defending champions Watsonians crashed out of this year’s school FPs tournament in the third round in Kent, losing 4½-½ to 2010 winners Clifton at Royal Cinque Ports.

After their opening-day win over Ampleforth, Watsonians beat Cranleigh 4-1 in their morning match yesterday.

However, Clifton, who had progressed to the last 16 with a 3-2 win over Marlborough, proved too strong and ended Watsonians’ bid to lift the trophy for a sixth time in the year the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

The second day, in fact, ended in a wipeout for Scottish teams as Fettes, Glenalmond and Merchiston also made exits.

Fettes lost to Charterhouse, Glenalmond went down to Malvern and Merchiston were beaten by Rugby.