Clevedon 27 - Bideford 3

Clevedon returned to winning ways with a convincing but hard worked win against Bideford. The score line suggests a comfortable win but the reality was different as the Devonian visitors pushed Clevedon all the way.In front of a big crowd celebrating 60 years of playing at the vale it Bideford who opened the scoring with a well struck penalty. Clevedon replied with a well worked try saw Rory biggin s score out wide .(con) Kieran hill.Bideford began to put pressure on the home side through driving lineouts and had the edge at scrum time with their heavier fwds. However they couldn't match the fitness and resilence of a determined clevedon outfit who scored again through the maverick Dean Ashfield . (con) Kieran Hill. Clevedon moved further ahead when Hill struck a penalty from the halfway line the same player increased the lead shortly before the break. half time clevedon led 20-3.Bideford started the second half with renewed vigour and camped in the clevedon red zone for periods of time only resolute defence deprived of them of a score.As in most games the harder you defend the more clinical you attack and it was the seasiders who scored again with a fine opportunistic try from Mike Taylor.(con) Kieran HIll Head coach Nick Hill commented (Bideford are a good side and made us work really hard, there is work needed on our set piece and maybe we could have looked after the ball a bit better. on a plus we created chances and our defence was outstanding (Mike lowis ,Owen Biggins and Brian Largenten were huge in this area. The day had special significance to former president and captain Richard newton who played at the vale on the very first time 60 years ago.Hill added Richard is a true gentlemen and keen supporter and an example to all on tradition and club values!