Big Win In Devon

BIDEFORD 1ST XV 19PTS. V CLEVEDON 1ST XV 45PTS.
This was a good win on a very blustery afternoon in Devon, Clevedon scored right from the off as Kieran Hill intercepted a pass just inside the Bideford half and cleverly offloaded the ball for Cameron Maslen to score under the posts, converted Kieran Hill 0-7. Moments later Bideford levelled the scores when a catch and drive from a lineout was poorly defended, resulting in converted try for 7-7, with just 5 minutes gone. The early exchanges were fierce with both sides trying to gain the upper hand but it was Clevedon who scored next with a long range penalty from Hill, 7-10. Once again Bideford hit straight back and after a passage of play the heavier home pack drove over to score an unconverted try to take the lead 12-10. The Seasiders now started to get into their stride, stretching the home defence and were soon rewarded with another penalty, which Hill converted to regain the lead 12-13. Bidefords cause was not helped when they had a player red carded for a spear tackle on young Harry Butland, Hill converted the resulting penalty for 12-16. Clevedon now had their tails up and started to play the style of rugby they are becoming accustomed to and good forward foraging led to captain Owen Biggins going in for a try, Hill added the extras for a 12 -23 lead. Clevedon then stretched their lead further when, after some strong driving play, quickly recycled ball allowed prop Brian Largenton to crash through a ruck to give Clevedon a 12-28 lead at the half time whistle.
The second half started with Clevedon stealing a scrum and, after some slick handling, Rory Biggins went in for an unconverted try for a 12-33 lead and the bonus point was in the bag. Bideford whose pack proved to be a handful all afternoon, would not lie down and came back with another driving try, converted for 19-33.The Clevedon back division, who looked dangerous all day, then worked good ball down the wing for Harry Butland to go in from 40 metres out, unconverted for 19-38. The Devonian hosts still hadn't given up and came back to again put the Clevedon defence under pressure but it held firm and Clevedon had the final say when a superb handling movement saw Rory Biggins go in for his second try, Kieran Hill converted for a final score of 19-45.
Head Coach Nick Hill commented "A bonus point win on the road is always good, particularly against a strong outfit like Bideford, it took us a little while to get into our stride but when did we showed what we are capable of. A great debut performance from Brad Ashfield."