Big Win At The Vale

CLEVEDON 1ST XV 55PTS. V NORTH PETHERTON 1ST XV 14PTS.
On a wet and miserable day Clevedon produced some of their best rugby so far this season. The Seasiders dominated from the off and tremendous driving play from the forwards enabled the backs to cut holes through the Pethy defence and after several phases of play young Joe Ford, playing in the unfamiliar position of blindside flanker, cut through the Pethy defence to open the scoring, Kieran Hill converted. Within minutes Ford scored his second try after a great crash ball move, Hill converted for 14-0, with 10 minutes gone. Immediately from the kick off Clevedon pressed again and a swift handling movement saw the try line begging but it was ended with the final pass being intercepted and Pethy scoring a length of the field converted try, against the run of play, for 14-7. Undeterred Clevedon went sraight back on the attack and after some superb handling, that defied the conditions, Dean Ashfield bulldozed his way over for Clevedon's third try, again Hill added the points for a 21-7 lead. The Seasiders were now in total control in the set piece and out wide, which resulted in Pethy being penalised and Hill added to the scoreline with two penalties for 27-7. Just like the weather Clevedon were relentless and continued to press, Rory Biggins, a terrier all game, scored try number four, after good team play, Hill again converted, 34-7 and a bonus point in the bag with just 23 minutes gone. Just before the break the powerful Dean Ashfield scored his second try of the game and with the trusty boot of Hill adding the points, Clevedon went in to the break with a 41-7 lead
The second half saw Pethy come more in to the game and they managed to keep Clevedon's scoring machine at bay, compared to the first half, but Clevedon's defence held firm and it was Clevedon who scored the first points of the half through Rory Biggins, Hill converted for 48-7. With 20 minutes to go history was made when Clevedon made changes which saw club stalwart Neil Tucker and both his sons Joe and 17 year old Charlie, who was making his first team debut, take to the field. Clevedon's final try saw Joe Ford complete his try hat-trick after a blindside break by Vailes, Hill added the extras for 55-7. Pethy never gave up and in the final minutes with light fading they were rewarded with a converted try for a final scoreline of 55-14.
Credit must go to the forwards who dogged it out for 80 minutes and the backs handling skills in atrocious conditions.The old heads Mike Lowis and Ashley Vailes relished the heavy conditions and Joe ford was outstanding.
Head coach Nick Hill commented 'This was our fifth win on the bounce with three scores over 50 points, but this was our most complete performance with backs and forwards in perfect unison, and its pleasing to see what we have worked on in the week coming to fruition. On a personal note it was a great pleasure to see Neil take to the field with his sons and this speaks volumes about the tradition of Clevedon RFC.'
Next Saturday Clevedon are back on the road away to Teignmouth, coach leaves at 11am.