Clevedon build on success

Another fine , warm Sunday morning saw Clevedon continue their fine form at the start of the season. From the kick off Clevedon were right into their stride and with some fine passing had the ball wide and found space. Following a mis call from the ref and the linesman an early scrum saw Luke McLouglin go over with Ethan Thomas converting. The next ten minutes saw two fine tries from Skipper Mckenzie Poulter with conversions to match. At 21 - 0, it looked like Winscombe might be in for a hard mornings Rugby. Calm words from the coach and the Winscombe boys woke up and took to the challenge.

With some possession and some fine passing the Winscombe lads started to show what they were about. All of a sudden the Clevedon boys had to show their mettle in defence, with some fine tackling from Luke Palmer leading the way and some strong scrummaging adding to the cause. Despite the best efforts of Clevedon, Winscombe scored three fine tries themselves, but with just one conversion trailed 21-17 at the break. With a couple of injuries to Mckenzie and Ethan just before half time, Clevedon had to reorganise and regroup.

The second half became a battle royal as both sides tried to impose themselves on the game, with great passages of open running rugby. Small errors seemed to creep in though, with knock ons and missed passes leaving the game tightly poised. Clevedon scored a crucial try through Charlie Lewis who found a gap and with some aggressive, hard running on the wing. Winsombe, not to be outdone also scored agin, but with neither side converting the gap remained at 4 points. As the last ten minutes approached another hard run by Charlie Lewis brought him his 2nd and the gap widen to 9 points. As Winscombe fought back, Dane Richardson completed a fine personal performance, turning over the ball and with a strong run scored in the corner to put the game out of reach for the visitors.

A good hard game played in fine conditions. Clevedon, with a few extra players on the day had the legs to last the Winscombe fight back. We will look forward to the rematch later in the season. I don't think we will catch them sleeping again.