A Close Encounter In The Forest !

DRYBROOK 1ST XV 31PTS. V CLEVEDON 1ST XV 30PTS.
Clevedon can count themselves very unlucky not to gain a win in the forest on Saturday. The seasiders were slow into their stride and conceded a soft chip and chase try early on. Clevedon faced pressure for much of the opening third of the game and only stoic defence kept Drybrook at bay, with Rory Biggins and Harley Foley outstanding in this area.
Clevedon started to apply the pressure in the red zone but a final pass on the home line was intercepted, resulting in a length of the field try for Drybrook, converted for 12-0. Undeterred, Clevedon hit back with a try from Brian Largenton after good approach play, Kieran Hill converted for 12-7. Drybrook scored next with two penalties for 18-7. Hill clawed a penalty back on the stroke of half time for 18-10.
The second period started with a Clevedon penalty which Hill scored to reduce the arrears to 18-13, but Drybrook replied in kind for 21-13. Clevedon then miisfielded a high ball gifting Drybrook another easy score, converted for 28-13.
Clevedon now threw down the gauntlet and played some superb running rugby and, after a series of offloads it was Aaron Rice who touched down for Clevedons second try, Hill converted for 28-20. The seasiders then scored the try of the game when a length of the field passing move, involving forwards and backs, was finished off by the excellent Matt Honour, Hill converted. Clevedon now 28-27 down had Drybrook well and truly on the ropes and were unlucky to loose possession on the home teams try line but they were awarded a penalty out wide, which Hill converted taking Clevedon into the lead for the first time in the game 28-30. In the dying minutes Clevedon received a yellow card and the resulting penalty was kicked to give Drybrook the winning score.
Head Coach Nick Hill commented "Drybrook must be wondering how they managed to win this one, we gifted them three tries and you can't expect to win games in this league when you give teams a head start, a bonus point was little consolation."
Next sat Clevedon are home to Midsomer Norton k.o.2.30. VP's lunch 1.p.m.