Victory For The Saxons !!

Nailsea & Backwell 2nds 12 - Clevedon 2nds 17

This top of the league clash was all it lived up to be... with neither side given an inch.

With Clevedon playing down the slope the management where hopeful of of a good platform to build on but the early exchanges where honours even.

Clevedon had the edge in the scrums and the line out wit new boy Ben Allcock playing well in his first game for the Saxons, this gave the boys the opportunity to launch several attacks through James Hervey and Pat Haskins who both excelled in the center.

Nailsea & Backwells defence was equal to the onslaught from Clevedon and held them back and prevented them from scoring despite many attempts.

It was N&B who scored first against the run of play with a maisy run through midfield which Clevedon did not deal with, and saw the host score under the post. This should have spurred Clevedon on but not long after N&B scored again leaving the boys dejected and at odds with each other, thankfully it was half time and a few choice words from team manager Nick Wilson and team coach for the day Neil Tucker seemed to kick the boys back into action for the second half with more dynamic play and a hunger to win.

After some good work by the forwards tom Bullimore released Mitchell Jordan to score in the corner which was converted by the sure footed Elliot Poulter. Clevedon where now in the ascendancy and penetrated the N&B side at every opportunity with some probing runs from captain John Pearce and Sam Shipway.

After more excellent work by the Clevedon forwards the back line where let of the leash again and Pat Haskins scored in the corner which was again converted by EP.

With the time slipping away Clevedon held on to their slim lead with a fine defensive performance and attacking at every opportunity which paid dividends when N&B committed an offence and gave EP the chance to kick a penalty to seal the deal.

This was a fine team performance with every one playing their part, even in the bar after when coach Neil Tucker took on the hosts in a boat race and won !!

Thanks to N& B for their hospitality post game and the ladies in the kitchen for a fine meal Jo Izod

A good day all round and a great advert for local sport.

Pic: Ben Allcock on the charge !