Peter Pullin Under 11s Champions 2015

From under the clouds of a disappointing 6 nations final day, Clevedon under 11's squad gathered around the St Brendans' pitch on Sunday morning with a steely determination to take back the title as Peter Pullin Champions.

Following a good warm up session the team were full of energy and belief ready to take on their first opponents, hosting side St Brendans 1's. As the kick off whistle broke the morning silence, Clevedon charged to meet the St Brendans team, the visiting side showed strength on the break down immediately leading to control of the ball with Sam Perry playing the ball out into space to allow Kipp Comrie to break through and put the first 5 points of the day on the board. Clevedon now had a hunger for the ball and swiftly hit St Brendans hard again in the break downs with Joseph Fox, Alfie Harrison and Zac Llewelyn all battering their opposite numbers. Soon enough the visitors dominated the play and broke through to score again, Kipp Comrie getting his second of the day. St Brendans then managed to pull the score back to keep themselves in the game however, tackles from Louis Walker and Henry Squires led to the turner over and the ball was soon collected by Joe Haskins in his own half who then proceeded to sprint the length of the pitch to score and seal the victory. Final score St Brendans 1's 5 Clevedon 15.

Clevedon's next battle was to be against the host clubs A team who had had a chance to watch the earlier performance to gauge where the travelling team's strengths and weaknesses lay. Another furocious tussle was ahead, Sol Hamblin and Tom Cooper tried to break through gaps In the centre but were held back by a strong St Brendans defence. The home side used the width of the pitch well and created a lot of space allowing them to go in at half time with a 10 point lead. Clevedon gathered at half time and self assessed their performance which seemed to pay dividends, as soon after the whistle had been blown the ball went through the hands of Zak Malpas and Luke Davey finally reaching Joe Haskins who broke through a tackle to be given a clear run to touch down for 5 points. Clevedon defended well for the remainder of the game keeping the score close but were not able to notch up anything themsleves to equal the score. Final score St Brendans A's 10 Clevedon 5.

All was now to play for going into the last game of the group stage, a victory over Old Bristolians would see Clevedon secure a place in the final. Fuelled on crisps, sweets and the smell of a BBQ the players lined up on the pitch ready to play. Instantly Clevedon gained possession and held it through a number of phases, eventually the ball reached Cameron Perry on the wing who wasted to time in carrying the ball past the OB's last line of defence to score! With encouragement from the Clevedon supporters the team regrouped, stood strong and once again pressured the opposition into making a mistake, the ball was once again in the hands of Cameron Perry who again sprinted to the try line to score his second of the day. This game held the keys to a place on the final and Clevedon were not about to let go of this opportunity, rampaging attacks led by Jack Valentine eventually allowed Joe Haskins to slip through to score and silence the OB's crowd. Final score Old Bristolians 0 Clevedon 15.

The final had arrived, thoughts soon focussed on the prize and being beaten once already that day by St Brendans A's, revenge too was on the agenda. As a squad, Clevedon showed maturity going into the final, talking of game plans and tactics but now it was show time and the talking had to stop. A tense atmosphere fell upon the supporters, this was to be a long 16 minutes. The visitors stood proud waiting for the kick off whistle to sound. Without any hesitation Clevedon smashed into the St Brendans opoosition with tackles from Sam Barcham that Courtney Lawes would have been proud of, this was a strong message to the home side that Clevedon were up for the fight and weren't here to travel home as 'Runners Up'! The first half was a strong performance from Clevedon and through quick hands from Tom Haddon in the attack Joe Haskins was again on the score board taking 5 points. Clevedon needed to stay composed as there was still a long way to go (well 12 minutes anyway). St Brendans battled hard and continued to pass the ball well until Sam Perry read their game and intercepted the ball, leaving everyone watching as he chased to the try line to score! Clevedon were caught napping in the second half and allowed the home side to bring the score uncomfortably close, the visiting team were under massive pressure to keep hold of the lead and with passion and strength defended as if their life depended on it, after what seemed like 10 phases of attack from St Brendans the ball was spilled into touch and the final whistle went. Clevedon RFC were crowned Peter Pullins Under 11's Champions 2015! Final score St Brendans A's 5 Clevedon 10.