“Teamwork makes the Dream Work”

The fixture gods had somehow colluded to see our annual fixture away to Chew Valley double booked with our Bedminster friends Broad Plain. Ordinarily this would have been embraced whole heartedly however our very recent encounter with Plain had not gone to plan and so left coaching staff and players alike on tenterhooks as to how the morning might unravel. It turns out there was absolutely no need to worry and that things can now be put to bed as we enjoyed two very good games of rugby, with the match with Broad plain played out in the fashion of previous meetings – forthright and determined from both sides but thankfully no hint of silliness from either team.

Our first game was to be against hosts Chew Valley whom we enjoyed success against for the first time last year. They have a lovely style and posses some very good ball handlers capable of tearing anyone apart on their day. The Clevedon boys were aware of this and knew they would have to work hard to keep the wide spaces closed off if they were to keep Chew at bay. With only 13 men in the Blue and Gold, the team pretty much picked itself and got to work in fine style. Playing down the hill Clevedon used their physicality well with Mac steam rollering through in the opening exchanges. It would be unjust to say we just hammered away down the hill with our big boys, we did, however in contrast to history there was an outlet, an offload, a pass to a man in space – wonderful rugby. Chew put up a spirited fight but at times some of the Clevedon play was seriously, seriously good. I would go as far to suggest, the best rugby we have ever played. Before the close of the first half we were treated to two further trys from Rich and McCauly (I’m sure there’s a Richie Mccaw joke in there somewhere) massive credit to Chew however, who never gave up tackling and moved the ball well when given chance but were efficiently snuffed out on each occasion by a resilient and surprisingly organised defence. The second half saw a change in flow with the slope assisting the home side and a far more even contest developing. It ended with a try a piece as Woody crashed over in the corner after some lovely forward interlinking play. And so another good morning’s work at Chew and some real selection headaches for the coaches as players staked their claims to next weeks coveted tournament places.

Clevedon then took a well deserved rest as Chew and Plain played out an exciting game of rugby which saw plenty of good action and which the hosts narrowly edged.

And so we took to the field in a slightly different formation to take on Broad Plain for the 4th time this campaign!!!!! Both sides know each other’s game inside out and are developing fast on very similar paths. To date I think it would be fair to say we have been one step ahead of the Bedminster boys but every dog has it’s day and it’s only a matter of time before they get theirs. Clevedon played up the hill and a fantastically determined game began to unfold. Both sides had opportunities but a turnover scrum saw Dan switch with Mac close to the Broad Plain line and the KFC monster found a gap - almost messing up the touchdown as he tried to over complicate matters in his own special way! And that’s how the half ended with Clevedon 1 try to the good after a very exciting equal game. A quick halftime chat to reassure the boys they were playing very well and just to stick with it actually seemed to sink in! As it happens and to the delight of the shrieking female content of the support (my ears are still ringing) , they had saved the best till last and rampaged down the hill, with Plain loosing shape and Clevedon taking advantage with five unanswered trys. Mac started off by sealing his hatrick for the day followed by Rudsta. The Wizard and Richie crossed again with the final try of the day going to Tyler M after being driven over the line, a much deserved score after his excellent grafting work from number 8 (a new position for him)! So in the end, perhaps a surprisingly one sided result on paper. Whilst we looked very good at times I think Broad Plain ran out of steam and unusually for them faded away as the game wore on, I anticipate this was a blip on their behalf and we will not get that luxury when we next play them for round 5, in a weeks time !!!!!!!!!

I’ve mentioned those that physically put the ball across the line, but yesterday was so very much more than that. I truly saw a team evolving in front of us. Although Mac scored 3 times he wasn’t selfish, he had his best game for a long time, still very lazy, still playing miles below his potential but his best game nevertheless. “The Stone” was boulderlike as he enjoyed his best game ever and hopefully a glimpse of potentially what’s coming. TT was the oil in the machine and gave Dan a lovely day out as he orchestrated some fantastic stuff from 10 (very Ford like). Banksy got his head down and along with “Triple R” (Ram Raid Rudsta) worked like absolute Trojans to get this ball on a plate for the glamour boys. Ciaran stepped in for his debut on the wing. Massive thanks to him, not only did he make up the numbers he seriously helped the cause by keeping things alive, caught from a kick off, made a few tackles and even was in a position to score if his “so called mate” had passed to him!

I will stop there……Everyone was great, well done boys, top performance, they say a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. When there is no weak link, when everybody pulls their weight, when everyone gets on and respects each other, when you play as a team instead of selfish individuals – you get mornings like yesterday. However, and I hate to let the miserable Brummy in me out, but the funny thing is I still think there’s loads more we could be doing! Sorry, there is, but I do concede that it was a big step in the right direction, well done.