Defeat At The Vale

In the opening game of the year Clevedon entertained league leaders Midsomer Norton and were very unlucky to be left emptied handed. In front of a sizable crowd the seasiders started well, the lineout functioning superbly giving the backs ample ball with which to attack, and stretch the visitors defence they did, but on more than one occasion were denied by the last pass. Twenty minutes in and against the run of play saw the visitors take the lead when a kick out of defence bounced the wrong way into Midsomers hands to score an unconverted try. Clevedon lifted their game and pressed deep into the visitors half and from a penalty the seasiders recycled the ball well which allowed big Orville Jones to crash over for a try, converted by Jordan Mein. Clevedon enjoyed the lions possession for the next ten but were rocked by the loss of the influential Charlie Tucker through injury but still led 7-5 at the break.

The second half saw Midsomer building phases and threatening the Clevedon line, but determined defence, led by William Trollope and Toby ford kept them at bay. Clevedon increased their lead when, from strong pressure on a Midsomer scrum resulted in Ashley Vailles going over converted by Mein. Back came Midsomer Norton to score a converted try after good driving from their forwards. 14-12 They then took the lead with a penalty, 14-15. The game was now finely balanced and when Clevedon were awarded a penalty they kicked into the visitors half and for the first time lost the line out and with concentration levels down allowed Midsomer to run and score a soft converted try. The seasiders now threw everything at Midsomer but once again the final pass or lack of one let them down and as is often the case in these situations, it was Midsomer who scored again to rub salt in the wounds and seal the victory 27-14.

Head coach Nick Hill commented "the score line definitely flattered them and we deserved something from the game. However we are really proud of the effort of a changed Clevedon team against the top of the league and we thank everyone for their positive feedback and support. Next Saturday Old Bristolians away ko 2.15